SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's soccer team shutout Skidmore College, 3-0, in the Liberty League Championship quarterfinals on Tuesday, with three different Bombers finding the back of the net.
Ithaca struck first less than 10 minutes into the match. Julia Gilgar's initial shot was blocked, but Zara Nourie pounced on the rebound and fired a strike into the top-left corner to give the Bombers a 1-0 lead.
Skidmore nearly equalized moments later when Mara Grace's shot from 18 yards out rattled off the crossbar. Ithaca goalkeeper Katrina Varnum then made her first save of the day, smothering a low shot to preserve the lead.
Ava Detorie doubled Ithaca's advantage in the 21st minute, curling a shot from just outside the box into the top-left corner for a 2-0 edge. Ten minutes later, Skidmore earned a free kick near the top of the box, but Varnum handled the ensuing shot with ease.
In the 35th minute, Devin Sylvia had a chance to extend the lead, but her attempt was blocked and deflected out of play. Varnum added another save before halftime, stopping a rolling shot from Bryn Ryan to keep Ithaca ahead 2-0 at the break.
The Bombers wasted little time in the second half. Five minutes in, Lilyana Baldi lofted a shot over three defenders and the goalkeeper, tucking it into the top-left corner for a commanding 3-0 lead. Skidmore responded with a quick transition, but Varnum leapt to deflect a dangerous shot and then corralled the ball after the ensuing corner kick.
Ithaca continued to press offensively. In the 60th minute, Jayne Bogle sent a cross to Kaelyn Fernandez, whose shot sailed just high. Moments later, Bogle fired a shot of her own that missed wide right. From there, the Bombers locked down defensively, limiting Skidmore's chances the rest of the way.
Ithaca finished with 15 total shots, including six on goal, while Varnum recorded eight saves in the shutout victory.
The Bombers advance to face top-seeded Vassar College in the Liberty League semifinals on Friday. Game time is to be determined.
