The Ithaca College women’s lacrosse team suffered its first loss of the season March 8 18–4 to the defending national champion, SUNY Cortland. The Blue and Gold fell to an even 1–1 with the loss, while Cortland improved to 2–0.
The Bombers battled in the second half to put four goals on the board after being outscored 12–0 in the first stanza.
The Red Dragons led by as much as 15 before the Bombers finally put one in the back of the net with just over 20 minutes remaining in the game.
The first goal for the Blue and Gold kick-started a small run, as the team scored four of the next six goals in the contest.
Senior Riley Marion registered one goal and an assist, while juniors Morgan Cadwell, Morgan Racicot and freshman Allison Panara chipped in with a goal each.
On the defensive end, sophomore Elizabeth Sauer forced four turnovers and corralling corralled three groundballs. Senior Erika Johnson and sophomore Maggie Wise each added two groundballs as well.
The Bombers got a season-high seven saves from sophomore goaltender Kimberly Presuto, but it was not nearly enough, as Cortland outshot the Bombers 35–16. Junior Emily Ross got some run in net as well, making three saves in the loss.
The Red Dragons depth was on display as nine different players scored at least one goal. Senior Ashley Gentile and junior Kristen Ohberg led the charge, tallying four and three goals, respectively.
Another national power awaits the Bombers, as they travel to face No. 3 Franklin and Marshall College for a non-conference matchup at 11 a.m. March 12.