ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's soccer team earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Heidelberg University on Sunday afternoon in a non-conference matchup at Bertino Field at Butterfield Stadium. The game's lone goal came in the 13th minute off the left foot of Lilyana Baldi, which proved to be the difference in the Bombers' shutout win.
 
Ithaca nearly opened the scoring early when Ella Shorkey fired a shot just wide left of the net. On the ensuing corner kick, Ava Detorie found Allie McCabe, whose header ricocheted off the crossbar in the fifth minute of play.
 
Baldi broke the scoreless tie in the 13th minute, stripping a Heidelberg defender and charging toward goal before slotting the ball home. Moments later, Ella Shorkey nearly doubled the lead with a header that sailed just over the crossbar.
 

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The Bombers continued to apply pressure throughout the first half. Margo Kasenchar ripped a shot that was turned away by Heidelberg goalkeeper Brigid Enright. Shorkey had another strong chance that was blocked, and Detorie forced Enright into a leaping save off a well-placed free kick.
 
Zara Nourie blasted a shot from 18 yards out that was deflected wide, and Devin Sylvia followed with a quick strike that rattled off the crossbar at the 54:11 mark of the second half. About 15 minutes later, Mia Medearis collected a pass from Jayne Bogle and sent a shot just over the bar.
 
In the 76th minute, goalkeeper Katrina Varnum made a crucial diving stop to preserve the lead, denying a Heidelberg breakaway. With four minutes remaining, Detorie unleashed a powerful shot toward the top right corner, but Enright made another diving save to keep the game within reach. Ithaca held firm in the final minutes to secure the win and close out the opening weekend undefeated.
 
The Bombers finished with 15 total shots, including nine on goal, while allowing just one shot on target.
 
Ithaca returns to action on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. when they travel to the Drew Fall Festival to take on Stockton University. The Bombers will then take on Drew University on Sunday for a 12 p.m. kickoff.