The fourth-seeded women’s lacrosse team stunned higher-seeded opponents on consecutive days in the Empire 8 tournament, defeating No. 1 Nazareth College 8–5 on Saturday and No. 3 Stevens Institute of Technology 12–11 today to claim the Empire 8 title.

The Bombers (9–6, 5–3 Empire 8), who will find out their opponent in the NCAA tournament next Sunday, will be making their eighth playoff appearance in school history, and first since 2004.

Senior Kim Medla scored eight goals, including five in the championship game against the Ducks, en route to Tournament MVP honors. Medla also eclipsed the 150-career goals mark, becoming just the third player in Ithaca history to do so.

Junior Becky Bedard totaled four goals and seven assists in the two games, increasing her season assist total to 44, which is a school record. With 77 career assists, Bedard only needs 11 more to set the career mark.

While Medla and Bebard were the stand out offensive performers, the Blue and Gold also received major contributions from a handful of other players. Senior Meagan Howell tallied one goal, sophomores Sarah Cox netted two goals and Lauren Fitzgerald and freshman Kassie Garfield each assisted on one score in the Nazareth game.

Against Stevens, sophomore Kylie McClure scored three times, sophomore Katherine Bixby and freshman Catherine Hurley each netted one goal, and Cox added another assist.

Senior goalie Emily Brooks was outstanding, though the Bombers’ defense ensured she didn’t face many shots. Brooks made two saves against the Golden Flyers, while holding them to only five goals. She stopped five shots and allowed 11 goals against Stevens.