POTSDAM, N.Y. - The Ithaca College softball team took on the Clarkson University Knights in a doubleheader Liberty League matchup on Saturday afternoon earning the road sweep. The Bombers won the first game with ease 6-0, and the second 5-1 after going into extra innings and plating four runs in the ninth frame.
 
ITHACA 6, CLARKSON 0 (F)
Through the first three innings, Ithaca built an early lead and maintained control of the game, going up 4-0 after a strong second inning. In the first inning, both teams failed to score, each leaving a runner stranded. Ithaca then broke the game open in the second, scoring four runs on three hits while capitalizing on a Clarkson error and timely hitting, with contributions from Sydney Miranda, Jessie Lopez, Madison Schoenenberger, and Anna Bello.
 
Clarkson struggled offensively in response, going down in the second with three straight strikeouts. In the third inning, both teams were quiet, each managing just one hit and leaving a runner on base without scoring. Overall, Ithaca's productive second inning proved to be the difference, while Clarkson was unable to generate enough offense to respond early in the game.
 
In the top of the fourth, Ithaca added another run on three hits, highlighted by Anna Bello's double and Kailen Winkelblech's RBI single to extend the lead to 5-0. Despite additional baserunners, Ithaca left two on base after a runner was thrown out at home and a lineout ended the inning. Clarkson managed just one hit in the bottom of the fourth, as Lexi Rydelek singled, but the rally quickly stalled with a strikeout, lineout, and popup, leaving one runner stranded. In the fifth inning, both teams were retired in order, combining for six straight outs with no hits or baserunners.
 
In the sixth and seventh innings, Ithaca pulled away late while Clarkson was unable to break through offensively. In the sixth, both teams had scoring chances but came up empty. Ithaca loaded the bases with hits from Madison Schoenenberger and Kailen Winkelblech along with a hit-by-pitch, but Clarkson escaped the jam with a strikeout and a groundout, leaving three stranded. Clarkson also threatened in the bottom half, putting runners on base with a hit, walk, and fielder's choice, but Ithaca held firm to keep the shutout intact. Mady Rowell earned the win in the circle improving to 7-1 overall with five strikeouts, while Taylor Brunn pitched the final frame punching out one.
 
ITHACA 5, CLARKSON 1 (F-9 innings)
Through the first two innings, Ithaca took an early lead while both teams struggled to fully capitalize on scoring opportunities. In the opening inning, Ithaca struck first with one run on two hits, including an RBI single from Haley Petrucci, while also taking advantage of a Clarkson error to build an early 1–0 advantage as Anna Bello scored. They loaded the bases multiple times but left runners stranded as Clarkson limited further damage. In the bottom of the first, Clarkson went down in order with three quick outs.
 
In the second inning, Clarkson threatened heavily by loading the bases, but Ithaca's defense held firm and prevented any runs from scoring. Despite a hit, walk, hit-by-pitch, and a passed ball that moved runners into scoring position, Clarkson left three runners on base. Ithaca also had baserunners in the top half but was limited by Clarkson's defense and an error that extended the inning without adding to the score. After two innings, Ithaca led 1–0.
 
In the third inning, Clarkson tied the game at 1–1 with three hits, including an RBI single by Emily Bulone that brought in Ivy Borkoski. They also moved runners into scoring position but left one on base after a flyout and lineout ended the inning. Ithaca was held scoreless in the top half and went down in order, with all three batters retired. After three innings, the game was tied 1–1.
 
In the fourth inning, neither team scored. Clarkson recorded three quick outs with no hits. Ithaca had a brief chance after Jessie Lopez and Sydney Miranda reached on errors, but the inning ended without a hit and with Miranda being doubled off on a flyout. After four innings, the game remained tied 1–1. In the fifth inning, both teams went down quietly in order with no hits, runs, or baserunners. With neither offense able to generate any momentum, the game remained tied 1–1 heading into the sixth inning.
 
In the sixth inning, both teams had scoring chances but neither could push a run across. Ithaca put a runner on with a bunt single by Cate Murray and moved her into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt, but the inning ended with a strikeout and a pop-up, leaving her stranded. Clarkson also threatened in the bottom half, loading the bases through a bunt, a defensive error, and a pair of singles; however, Ithaca's defense held firm once again. After six innings, the game remained tied 1–1.
 
In the seventh inning, both teams had late chances but neither was able to score, keeping it tied at 1–1. Despite Clarkson's pressure in the bottom of the inning, neither team could break through, and the game remained tied after seven innings.
 
In extra innings, both teams were held scoreless again, with Clarkson managing just one hit while Ithaca went down in order. Clarkson's Kendall Cuyler singled, but the rally stalled as Kaelyn Buehler lined out, Lexi Rydelek flied out, and Brooke McConnell grounded out, leaving one runner on base. In the top half, Ithaca was also retired in order on a flyout, pop-up, and another flyout, failing to reach base. Neither team was able to break the tie, and the game remained 1–1.
 
In the ninth inning, Ithaca broke the game open with a big four-run rally while Clarkson was unable to respond. In the top half, Ithaca exploded for three hits and took advantage of a wild pitch and clutch hitting. Schoenenberger delivered the key blow with a two-run double to left center, while Jessie Lopez added a bunt single and Isabella Maynard contributed a single to shortstop. Ithaca also scored on a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch to push the lead out of reach. In the bottom of the inning, Clarkson went down quietly in order, with three straight outs including a bunt out, a groundout, and a lineout.
 
The Bombers now stand at 18-7 overall and 9-1 in Liberty League play and will return to action on Tuesday, April 21 with a non-conference doubleheader against Cortland on Kostrinsky Field that will begin at 3 p.m.