SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women’s soccer team shut out Skidmore College, 3-0, in the First Round of the 2025 Liberty League Championship on Tuesday, with three different players scoring for the Bombers.
Ithaca struck first less than 10 minutes into the match. Julia Gilgar’s initial shot was blocked, but Zara Nourie pounced on the rebound, firing a strike into the top-left corner to give the Bombers a 1-0 lead.
Skidmore nearly equalized moments later when Mara Grace’s 18-yard shot rattled off the crossbar. Ithaca goalkeeper Katrina Varnum made her first save shortly after, smothering a low shot to preserve the lead.
The Bombers doubled their advantage in the 21st minute as Ava Detorie curled a shot from just outside the box into the top-left corner for a 2-0 edge. Ten minutes later, Skidmore earned a free kick near the top of the box, but Varnum easily handled the shot.
Ithaca continued to press, with Devin Sylvia’s attempt in the 35th minute blocked and deflected out of play. Varnum added another save before halftime, stopping a rolling shot to keep the Bombers ahead by two (2-0) at the break.
The second half saw Ithaca strike quickly. Five minutes in, Lilyana Baldi lofted a shot over three defenders and the goalkeeper, tucking it into the top-left corner for a 3-0 advantage. Skidmore responded with a quick transition, but Varnum leaped to deflect a dangerous shot and secured the ball after the ensuing corner kick.
Ithaca maintained pressure offensively throughout the match. In the 60th minute, Jayne Bogle sent a cross to Kaelyn Fernandez, whose shot sailed just high. Moments later, Bogle fired a shot that missed wide. From there, the Bombers locked down defensively, limiting Skidmore’s opportunities the rest of the way.
Ithaca finished with 15 total shots, six on goal, while Varnum recorded eight saves in the victory.
The Bombers will now face top-seeded Vassar College in the Liberty League Semifinals on Friday, November 7, at 1:30 p.m.