ITHACA, N.Y. — The Ithaca College men's lacrosse team battled through a physical, back-and-forth contest to earn a 9–8 comeback victory over No. 6 RIT on Wednesday evening. The Bombers outscored the visitors 3–0 in the fourth quarter, with goalkeeper
Andrew Minard standing tall to help secure the upset win over the nationally ranked Tigers.
Cullen Adams scored the game-winning goal with 5:22 remaining, as Ithaca improved to 8–4 overall and 3–1 in Liberty League play.
The Bombers controlled the opening faceoff, with
Liam Alberti securing possession and helping generate early scoring chances from
Will Kleine and
Lucas Proctor. Despite the initial pressure, RIT struck first and added a second goal to grab a 2–0 advantage. Ithaca responded late in the first quarter as
Tim Rogers finished an assist from
Danny Loss, cutting the deficit to 2–1 heading into the second.
Ithaca found its offensive rhythm in the second quarter. Rogers tied the game early before RIT briefly regained the lead. The Bombers answered with a scoring surge, highlighted by back-to-back goals from Kleine—both set up by Proctor—to even the score once again. With under a minute remaining in the half,
Jack Giannuzzi delivered a snipe finish off an assist from
Brendan Occhino, giving Ithaca its first lead of the contest at 6–5 in which the Bombers carried the advantage into the halftime break.
The defensive intensity picked up after halftime, with both teams trading stops. Goalkeeper
Andrew Minard made several key saves to keep Ithaca within striking distance. RIT eventually tied the game and reclaimed the lead late in the third quarter, but the Bombers stayed composed. Ithaca generated quality opportunities from Rogers,
Ethan Adrid, and Occhino, while the defense forced turnovers and controlled ground balls to prevent RIT from extending its advantage.
Ithaca delivered its strongest push in the fourth quarter. Occhino scored early to pull the Bombers within one, and moments later Adrid tied the game off another assist from Proctor. The pressure continued, and
Cullen Adams buried the eventual game-winner after a feed from Rogers to give Ithaca a 9–8 lead.
The Bombers ended up outshooting the Tigers 36-35, including 24 shots on target.
Andrew Minard finished with 13 saves in goal as both
Will Kleine and
Lucas Proctor each finished with three points apiece.
Ithaca returns to action on Saturday when it hosts RPI at Higgins Stadium for a 12 p.m. Liberty League matchup.
