NEW YORK, N.Y. — The No. 11-ranked Ithaca College Bombers opened the second and final day of the NYU Invitational with a dominant three-set sweep over the Wentworth Institute of Technology Leopards on Saturday afternoon before dropping a 3-1 match to receiving-votes New York University.
No. 11 Ithaca 3, Wentworth 0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-19)
The Bombers came out strong in the opening set, taking control early and continuing to build their lead throughout the frame. Ithaca closed out the first set with a 25-15 victory, taking an early 1-0 lead in the match.
Ithaca carried that momentum into the second set. The Bombers continued to pressure the Leopards and maintained their advantage throughout the set, eventually earning a 25-21 victory to move one set away from completing the sweep.
With the match within reach, the Bombers continued to control the action in the third set. Ithaca pulled away late to secure a 25-19 victory, completing the three-set sweep and improving to 2-0 on the day.
Gabriela Gonzalez-Abreu led the Bombers offensively with 13 kills, while
Naomi Clauhs and
Elena Chappell each contributed seven kills.
The Bombers also received strong performances from their setters.
Amaya Parnell recorded a team-high 17 assists, while
Wesley Slavin added 15 assists to help lead the Ithaca offense.
Defensively,
Karina Garcia and
Renee McGowan each recorded seven digs, helping the Bombers limit the Leopards' offensive opportunities throughout the match.
With the sweep, Ithaca turned its attention to its final game of the weekend against NYU.
(RV) NYU 3, No. 11 Ithaca 1 (25-16, 23-25, 28-26, 25-22)
The Violets came out strong in the opening set, but the Bombers battled throughout. NYU erased an Ithaca lead and went on to take the first set, 25-16, putting the Bombers behind 1-0.
Ithaca responded in the second set, finding its rhythm and battling with the Violets throughout he frame. The Bombers came through in the late stages of the set, holding on for a 25-23 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
The third set was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams. Neither side was able to pull away, forcing the set beyond 25 points. After trading points late, NYU eventually secured the 28-26 victory to regain the lead, 2-1.
The Bombers continued to fight in the fourth set, but the Violets were able to create separation late. NYU closed out the set, 25-22, sealing the 3-1 victory and handing Ithaca its third loss of the season.
Naomi Clauhs led the Bombers offensively with 13 kills, while
Wesley Slavin continued to guide the Ithaca offense with 33 assists.
Defensively,
Karina Garcia led the Bombers with 15 digs and also recorded a team-high two aces, providing a strong presence both in the back row and from the service line.
Despite the loss, the Bombers finish the NYU Invitational with a win over No. 5-ranked MIT and will now turn their attention to Liberty League play.
Ithaca will open conference play at home next Friday against Bard College at 6 p.m. in Ben Light Gymnasium. The Bombers will look to begin their Liberty League schedule on a strong note as they pursue their fourth consecutive Liberty League championship.
