UTICA, N.Y. — The Ithaca College Bombers opened their season on the road Tuesday afternoon, defeating the Utica University Pioneers, 3-1.
The Bombers came out aggressive from the opening whistle, with returning seniors
Sophie White and
Lilyana Baldi each recording early shots. Ithaca broke through in the 15th minute when
Julia Gilgar found the back of the net, beating Utica goalkeeper Emily Duro to give the Bombers a 1-0 lead.
Mia Medearis assisted on the goal.
Gilgar nearly doubled the lead just three minutes later, but Duro turned away the shot. The Utica goalkeeper continued to keep the Pioneers within striking distance, making several saves as Ithaca generated chances from Baldi,
Zara Nourie,
Kyra Lynch and
Riley Butler.
The Bombers controlled much of the opening half, finishing with 12 shots, including eight on goal. Utica managed just one shot in the first 45 minutes as Ithaca's defense limited the Pioneers' offensive opportunities.
Utica came out with more pressure to begin the second half, but Ithaca goalkeeper
Katrina Varnum was there to make the save and preserve the Bombers' lead. Ithaca continued to create chances through a combination of possession and passing in the offensive third, with Baldi,
Casey Gorman and White each testing the Utica defense.
As the second half progressed, the Pioneers tightened defensively and made it difficult for Ithaca to find a second goal. Utica nearly created an opportunity with 23 minutes remaining, but Ithaca's defense quickly collapsed on the play and cleared the ball out of danger.
The Bombers finally broke through again with 15 minutes remaining.
Jayne Bogle delivered a corner kick into the box, where Lynch rose to head the ball past Duro and extend Ithaca's lead to 2-0.
Utica answered just 30 seconds later, scoring off a free kick from roughly 30 yards out to cut the deficit to 2-1 and bring the Pioneers back into the match.
Ithaca responded quickly. With eight minutes remaining, Lynch struck again, slotting a shot past Duro off an assist from
Rian Detweiler to restore the Bombers' two-goal advantage.
The Ithaca defense held firm over the final minutes, preventing Utica from mounting another comeback and securing the 3-1 season-opening victory.
Lynch led the squad with two goals in her first match as a Bomber, while Gilgar added the opening goal. Ithaca's strong defensive performance and consistent pressure throughout the match helped the Bombers start the season on a winning note.
The Bombers will kick off their home slate this weekend, playing host to Worcester Polytechnic Institute at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
