ITHACA, N.Y. — Despite a flurry of offensive chances, Ithaca College women's soccer played to a 0-0 draw against Union College on Saturday afternoon at Carp Wood Field.
 
The Bombers outshot the Garnet Chargers 24-14 but couldn't convert, despite several close calls. Junior forward Lilyana Baldi led the offensive charge with eight shots, including four on target. On the defensive end, junior goalkeeper Katrina Varnum tallied nine saves, just one shy of Union senior goalkeeper Rachel Berliner's total.
 
The first half featured balanced play and numerous offensive opportunities for both sides. Union threatened early, with forward Alayna Boileau delivering the team's best chance in the 15th minute. Her shot was narrowly stopped by Varnum, who made a clutch save with help from her defenders near the goal line.
 
After both teams traded four shots in the opening 16 minutes, Ithaca began to control possession, generating more chances. Midfielder Julia Gilgar threaded a through-ball to Baldi, whose shot sailed just over the crossbar. Forward Sophie White nearly broke the deadlock, but Berliner made a sliding foot save to keep the game scoreless. Ithaca's physical defense stifled Union's momentum, consistently pushing the ball back into the visitors' half.
 
Union responded with increased physicality late in the opening stanza, limiting Ithaca's chances in the closing minutes. Still, the Garnet Chargers managed just one more shot before the halftime whistle.
 
Union opened the second half aggressively, with Thomas firing the first shot after the break. Ithaca answered with a strong possession that led to a corner kick and a Gilgar shot that Berliner corralled. Midfield play tightened as both teams battled for control, with Union's Hannah Sams and Addison MacDonald anchoring their side, while Kaelyn Fernandez led the midfield effort for Ithaca.
 
The Bombers' best chance came in the 62nd minute. Jayne Bogle initiated a breakaway from midfield, finding Baldi in the penalty area. Baldi's high shot was deflected by Berliner's outstretched hand, sending the ball over the crossbar. The ensuing corner kick led to a flurry of attempts, including a shot from Baldi that grazed the goal line before being cleared by a swarm of Union defenders.
 
Both teams remained aggressive in the final stretch, but neither could break through. Defender Reese Ruegamer fired one last shot with 16 seconds remaining, but Berliner was well-positioned to make the save and preserve the scoreless draw.
 
With the result, Ithaca improves to 4-4-4 overall and 1-2-2 in the Liberty League. The Bombers return to action Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. with a home matchup against RIT.