ITHACA, N.Y. – The No. 4 Ithaca College women's soccer team opened Liberty League Tournament play with a 1-0 victory over No. 5 RIT on Carp Wood Field, advancing to the semifinal round behind an early goal from
Lilyana Baldi.
The Bombers set the tone early, with
Katrina Varnum making a save on a low RIT shot just two minutes into the contest. Ithaca responded with offensive pressure of its own, as Baldi put an early shot on target that was turned away by the Tigers' goalkeeper.
Following a corner kick opportunity,
Kyra Lynch had a shot blocked before finding Baldi with a cross moments later. Baldi finished the opportunity, finding the back of the net at the 11:48 mark to give Ithaca an early 1-0 advantage.
The Bombers continued to look for another scoring opportunity throughout the remainder of the first half.
Alyssa Andracki had an attempt blocked, while
Zara Nourie and
Kiera King each sent shots just wide of the net. Ithaca maintained its one-goal lead heading into the break, outshooting RIT 7-2 in the opening 45 minutes.
RIT looked to find the equalizer coming out of halftime, earning an early free kick near midfield, but the Bombers' backline cleared the opportunity. Ithaca continued to apply pressure in the attacking half, with Baldi sending another attempt high of the net following a short corner kick from
Jayne Bogle.
With 30 minutes remaining,
Mia Medearis nearly doubled the Bombers' advantage, but her attempt was stopped by the RIT goalkeeper. Ithaca continued to hold off the Tigers' offensive efforts, with the defense limiting RIT's opportunities in front of Varnum.
RIT's final shot sailed high of the net as the Bombers maintained their narrow advantage through the closing minutes. Ithaca held on for the 1-0 victory, with Baldi's first-half goal proving to be the difference.
With the win, the No. 4 Bombers advance to the Liberty League Tournament semifinals, where they will faceoff at No. 1 William Smith at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
