ITHACA, N.Y. - In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, the nationally ranked No. 23 Ithaca College women's lacrosse team emerged victorious over RIT in a 13–12 win at Higgins Stadium on Friday in the Liberty League Semifinals. With the win, Ithaca is now 12-6 and will look to repeat as Liberty League champions on Sunday against Union College. IC will also be making its seventh-straight appearance in the title game.
The game opened with momentum for Ithaca, as
Elizabeth Green netted the first goal at 12:37 in the first period. Though RIT responded quickly setting the tone for the remainder of the game, the Bombers continued to strike.
Lexi Kellish and
Lily Cody added two unassisted goals throughout the first quarter, while Green assisted
Kelly Augeri late in the period to give Ithaca a 4–3 edge heading into the locker room for a weather delay at the end of the first quarter
The second quarter was no different than the first, a continuation of a tug-of-war battle, but the Bombers continued to maintain the lead. Augeri dominated the quarter, scoring a fast break goal off an assist from
Phoebe Hosford and other critical goal with just 15 seconds remaining in the half to send Ithaca into halftime with an 8–7 lead.
Hayley Armstrong and Cody each added vital goals in the quarter as well.
In the third period, Green found the back of the net again for her second of the game,
Kathryn Scallon buried a shot off a great feed from
Leigh Naturale, and Augeri found her hat trick with an unassisted goal. Ithaca's defense held strong battling many RIT's offensive possessions however were able to preserve a 3-goal cushion entering the fourth.
Though RIT attempted comeback in the final quarter, closing a four-goal gap to tie the game at 12–12 with just under four minutes left, Ithaca refused to break. On RIT's next offensive possession defender
Taya Dukes pounced on a ground ball opportunity as the ball went loose right in front of the Bombers cage, thus giving Ithaca possession back and a chance to take the lead. With 1:22 remaining,
Elizabeth Green iced the game with her fourth goal, an unassisted shot that provided the Bombers with a win.
Green and Augeri each finished with four goals and one assist on the day to lead the Bombers in the offense. Strong defensive efforts for Ithaca included
Kaitlyn Russell (3GB, 2CT), Hosford (3GB, 2CT),
Maggie Mandel (2CT), and Dukes (2GB) as well as an impressive nine saves for goalie
Mikaela Dattilo. Cody also emerged as dominant on the draw circle for the Bombers notching eight draw controls on the day.
The Bombers will face Union College in the Liberty League Champtionship game at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
