POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — The Ithaca College women's soccer team opened Liberty League play with a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Vassar College, which is receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll. The Brewers secured the win with a late goal from Gianna Panarelli in the 87th minute.
 
The match was a battle of offense versus defense, as Vassar applied consistent pressure with 22 total shots, including 11 on target. Despite the barrage, the Bombers' defense held strong for most of the game, anchored by senior goalkeeper Katrina Varnum, who recorded 10 saves.
 
Vassar came out aggressive, firing eight shots in the first 23 minutes. Varnum made two early saves to keep the game scoreless and set the tone for a resilient defensive effort.
 
As the half progressed, Ithaca began to settle in and push forward, generating pressure with crosses into the box. However, the Brewers' back line remained composed, clearing away each threat. The Bombers' lone shot of the half came in the 43rd minute when Zara Nourie sent a long-range effort wide left.
 
Vassar continued to dominate possession and chances in the second half, led by Riley McGrath and Lucy Hart, who each tallied three shots and one on goal. Varnum responded with four more saves before halftime to keep the game level.
 
The Brewers nearly broke through in the 53rd minute when McGrath's shot toward the top left corner slipped through Varnum's gloves but deflected out of bounds. Varnum continued her stellar performance with three additional saves in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
 
Ithaca's best opportunity came in the 66th minute when Ella Shorkey received a through ball near the top of the box, but two Vassar defenders quickly closed in to dispossess her.
 
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute, when Panarelli dribbled to the top of the box and fired a low shot past Varnum into the left side of the net, sealing the 1–0 victory for the Brewers.
 
With the loss, the Bombers fall to 3–3–2 on the season. They'll look to bounce back on Oct. 1 when they travel to No. 17 William Smith College at 4:30 p.m.