ITHACA, N.Y. – The No. 13-ranked Ithaca College Bombers continued Liberty League play Saturday afternoon with a strong 3-1 victory over the Union College Garnet Chargers before sweeping Buffalo State for a perfect weekend. The Bombers now sit at 10-3 on the year and 2-0 in conference play.
ITHACA 3, UNION 1 (25-10, 20-25, 25-13, 25-8)
The Bombers came out with energy in the opening set, quickly establishing control on both sides of the net. Ithaca built an early lead and continued to put pressure on Union throughout the set, eventually taking the opening frame, 25-10, to grab a 1-0 lead.
Union responded in the second set with a more competitive effort. The two teams battled back and forth before Union was able to create separation late in the set and secure a 25-20 victory, tying the match at 1-1.
The Bombers answered right back in the third set. Ithaca regained control early and continued to extend its lead behind consistent serving, offense and defense. The Bombers pulled away for a 25-13 victory, moving ahead 2-1 heading into the fourth set.
Ithaca carried that momentum into the final frame and delivered its most dominant set of the afternoon. The Bombers quickly took control and never allowed Union to find its rhythm, closing out the set, 25-8, and securing the 3-1 match victory.
Leading the way offensively was
Gabriela Gonzalez-Abreu, who recorded a team-high 15 kills.
Elena Chappell followed with 10 kills, providing another consistent offensive option for the Bombers.
Wesley Slavin helped lead the Ithaca offense with a team-high 30 assists while also recording four aces. Defensively,
Renee McGowan led the Bombers with 11 digs, while
Karina Garcia added 10 digs.
After dropping the second set, Ithaca responded by dominating the final two frames, outscoring Union 50-21 to close out the match.
ITHACA 3, BUFFALO STATE 0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-18)
The Bombers came out strong in the opening set, quickly taking control of the match and earning a 25-11 victory over the Bengals. Ithaca's offense continued to put pressure on Buffalo State as the Bombers built an early lead and never looked back.
In the second set, Ithaca continued to maintain its momentum, taking down the Bengals, 25-16. The Bombers remained consistent on both sides of the court, putting themselves one set away from completing the sweep.
Ithaca closed out the match in the third set with a 25-18 victory. The Bombers maintained their lead throughout the final set and finished the afternoon with a three-set sweep to cap off a successful weekend.
Gabriela Gonzalez-Abreu led the Bombers offensively with 11 kills, while
Naomi Clauhs followed with nine kills.
Wesley Slavin led Ithaca's offense with 22 assists, helping set up the Bombers throughout the match.
Gonzalez-Abreu also led the team defensively with 10 digs, while
Renee McGowan added eight digs of her own. The balanced performance helped Ithaca close out the weekend with three wins and continue building momentum heading into the next week of conference play.
The Bombers will look to keep their momentum rolling when they return to Liberty League action on Wednesday at 6 p.m., hosting RIT at Ben Light Gymnasium.
