POTSDAM, N.Y. – On Saturday afternoon at Hantz Turf Field, the Ithaca College women's soccer team delivered one of its most composed performances of the season, edging Clarkson University 2–1 behind a first-half masterclass from senior forward Ava Detorie.
 
From the opening whistle, the Bombers looked sharper, faster, and more connected than the Golden Knights. Midfielders Kaelyn Fernandez and Devin Sylvia dictated the early tempo, consistently pushing play into Clarkson's half. That persistence paid off just 14 minutes in, when Detorie made her presence felt. After Ithaca earned a corner and kept the pressure on, Detorie pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it home to give the Bombers a 1–0 lead.
 
The goal seemed to energize Ithaca even more. The Bombers' off-ball movement was crisp, their passing clean, and their confidence visible. In the 22nd minute, that fluidity produced a second goal worthy of the highlight reel. Fernandez found Lilyana Baldi breaking down the flank, and Baldi slipped a cross through to Detorie, who buried her second goal of the day. In less than half an hour, Ithaca had taken complete control.
 
Clarkson managed to pull one back late in the half when Julia Tylar converted in the 38th minute, but the Bomber defense, anchored by Allie McCabe and Reese Ruegamer, quickly regrouped to preserve the 2–1 lead heading into halftime.
 
Ithaca continued to generate chances in the second half, recording 11 shots to Clarkson's seven—and refused to let the game slip away. Detorie nearly completed her hat trick midway through the half, forcing a save from Clarkson goalkeeper Kenzie Roth, while Ithaca keeper Katrina Varnum made clutch stops of her own to preserve the lead.
 
Even as the match grew physical in the closing minutes, with three yellow cards issued, the Bombers stayed disciplined, closing out the win.
 
With the victory, Ithaca improved to 5-5-4 overall and 2-3-2 in league play. It was a statement road win for a team hitting its stride at the right time. The Bombers return to action on Wednesday, October 29 when they host St. Lawrence for a 3 p.m. match at Carp Wood Field.