ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's soccer team fell 1–0 to RIT on Tuesday evening at Carp Wood Field, unable to overcome first half goal by the Tigers.
 
Despite outshooting RIT 14–9, the Bombers struggled to convert the chances into a goal. RIT goalkeeper Emily Sanchez played a pivotal role, frequently stepping off her line to disrupt Ithaca's attacking efforts. Forward Lilyana Baldi and midfielder Kaelyn Fernandez led the Bombers with three shots each, while Lindsey Ford netted the game's only goal for RIT.
 
Ithaca opened the match with a shot from forward Sophie White off a corner kick, but RIT quickly seized momentum. The Tigers scored in the 13th minute following a throw-in within their attacking third. Ford gained possession, spotted an opening from outside the penalty area, and fired a long-range shot that beat goalkeeper Katrina Varnum. The goal was assisted by both Daniella Malanga and Eli Gonzalez.
 
The Bombers ramped up offensive pressure late in the first half, earning four corner kicks before the break, but couldn't capitalize. RIT closed the half with three consecutive shots, including two from Anya Sander, and held a narrow 7–6 edge in attempts at halftime.
 
Missed opportunities on corner kicks continued to plague Ithaca in the second half. A promising fast break in the 51st minute led to a corner, but Sanchez quickly secured the ball and cleared it. Another corner in the 57th minute was also thwarted by Sanchez, whose defensive presence extended beyond her four saves in the first 60 minutes.
 
Ithaca maintained a high tempo as the match progressed, Fernandez's breakaway attempt was deflected wide by an RIT defender, and several other shots sailed over the crossbar, resulting in goal kicks for the Tigers.
 
As the match grew more physical in the closing minutes, play remained concentrated around midfield. RIT shifted focus to preserving their lead, stalling Ithaca's attempts to find an equalizer. Despite maintaining possession in the final minute, the Bombers couldn't generate a final shot.
 
With the loss, Ithaca drops to 4–5–4 overall and 1–3–2 in Liberty League play. Only three conference matches remain as the Bombers aim to climb into the six-team Liberty League tournament field. Ithaca returns to action Saturday in Potsdam, where they'll face Clarkson at 2 p.m.