ITHACA, N.Y. – The fourth-seeded Ithaca College women's soccer team opened the Liberty League tournament with a 1-0 victory over fifth-seeded RIT on Carp Wood Field. With the victory, the Bombers advance to the semifinal round.
The Bombers set the tone early, with Katrina Varnum making a save on a low RIT shot just two minutes into the contest. Ithaca responded with offensive pressure of its own, as Baldi put an early shot on target that was turned away by the Tigers' goalkeeper Ashton Anderson.
Following a corner kick opportunity, Kyra Lynch had a shot blocked before finding Baldi with a cross moments later. Baldi finished the opportunity, finding the back of the net at the 11:48 mark to give Ithaca the early 1-0 advantage.
The Bombers continued to look for another scoring opportunity throughout the remainder of the first half. Alyssa Andracki had an attempt blocked, while Zara Nourie and Kiera King each sent shots just wide of the net. Ithaca maintained its one-goal lead heading into the break, outshooting RIT 7-2 in the opening 45 minutes.
RIT looked to find the equalizer coming out of halftime, earning an early free kick near midfield, but the Bombers' backline cleared the opportunity. Ithaca continued to apply pressure in the second half, with Baldi sending another attempt high of the net following a short corner kick from Jayne Bogle.
With 30 minutes remaining, Mia Medearis nearly doubled the Bombers' advantage, but her attempt was stopped by RIT goalie Anderson. Ithaca continued to hold off the Tigers' offensive efforts, with the defense limiting RIT's opportunities in front of Varnum. RIT had a pair of chances to equalize with shots in the 83rd and 87th minutes, but neither managed to find the back of the net.
RIT's final shot sailed high of the net as the Bombers maintained their narrow advantage through the closing minutes. Ithaca held on for the 1-0 victory, with Baldi's first-half goal proving to be the difference. Ithaca held a 9-5 advantage in total shots and a 4-3 edge in shots on goal.
Next up for the Bombers is the Liberty League semifinals, where they will face off against No. 1 seed William Smith at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 6.