ITHACA, N.Y. – The No. 13 Ithaca College Bombers opened Liberty League play in dominant fashion Friday night, sweeping the Bard College Raptors, 3-0, at Ben Light Gymnasium.
The Bombers came out strong in the opening set, quickly establishing momentum against the Raptors. The two teams traded points early, but Ithaca soon found its rhythm and began to pull away. The Bombers went on a 15-2 run midway through the set, turning a close start into a commanding lead.
Ithaca continued to build its advantage behind strong offensive play and consistent serving, eventually closing out the first set, 25-12.
The opening set also marked a major career milestone for senior setter
Wesley Slavin. Slavin recorded her 3,000th career assist, becoming the latest Bomber to reach the milestone. The assist added another highlight to an already dominant first set for Ithaca.
With a 1-0 lead, the Bombers carried their momentum into the second set. Bard stayed within striking distance during the opening points, but Ithaca once again began to separate itself as the set progressed.
The Bombers used a combination of strong offensive attacks and defensive pressure to extend their lead. Ithaca continued to control the pace of play and closed out the second set, 25-13, putting itself one set away from securing the conference-opening victory.
Ithaca came out with the same intensity in the third set, looking to finish the match in straight sets. The Bombers quickly created separation and maintained control throughout the set.
The Bombers continued to pressure Bard on both sides of the net, limiting the Raptors' opportunities to build momentum. Ithaca closed out the final set, 25-12, completing the three-set sweep and earning its first Liberty League victory of the season.
Naomi Clauhs led the Bombers offensively with 12 kills, providing a consistent presence at the net throughout the match.
Elena Chappell and
Gabriela Gonzalez-Abreu each contributed six kills in the victory.
Addison Leadbetter made an impact on both sides of the net, leading Ithaca with two aces and two solo blocks. Her defense helped the Bombers maintain control as they held Bard to just 37 points across the three sets.
Slavin finished the match with a team-high 21 assists, adding to a milestone night in which she surpassed 3,000 career assists.
The Bombers now turn their attention to another busy day at Ben Light Gymnasium. Ithaca will return to the court Saturday, Sept. 26, for two more matchups, facing Union College at 1 p.m. in another Liberty League contest before taking on Buffalo State at 5 p.m. to close out the weekend.
With its first conference victory secured, Ithaca will look to carry its momentum into Saturday's doubleheader.
