ITHACA, N.Y. (April 10, 2010) – The Ithaca College women's lacrosse team defeated No. 10 Stevens Institute of Technology on Saturday afternoon at Carp Wood Field in Ithaca, N.Y. Stevens had won its previous 13 regular-season Empire 8 games dating back to April 13, 2008. The Bombers (5-3 overall, 3-0 Empire 8) were able to overcome a 10-6 deficit with 22:25 remaining in the second half to earn the victory. The Ducks (8-2 overall, 3-1 Empire 8) were led by four points from junior Leah Wasserman, and two goals apiece from sophomore Jenna Scheibling, junior Christine Smith, and junior Pamela Loria.
Ithaca took a 2-0 lead 5:43 into the action, but Smith and Scheibling tallied 1:41 apart to tie the game with 14:09 left in the first half. Junior Michelle Buonacuore gave the Ducks a 3-2 lead 34 seconds after Smith's goal and the two teams traded goals over the remainder of the half to go into the locker room tied at six.
Stevens scored the first four goals of the second to open up a 10-6 edge with 22:25 to go in the game. Freshman Joey Galligan, Smith, Wasserman, and Scheibling recorded the Duck tallies.
However, from that point on, Ithaca scored six-straight and seven of the last eight goals in the contest for the win. Freshman Tracy Rivas (East Meadow, N.Y.) and sophomore Nicole Borisenok (Watervliet, N.Y.) scored twice in the decisive run.
Ithaca ended with a 23-22 edge in shots and an 18-17 edge in ground balls. Ithaca also won 14-of-26 draws. Sophomore Courtney Dowell (Massapequa, N.Y.) earned the win in goal for the Bombers, making seven saves and picking up a game-high seven ground balls. Senior captain Shannon McFadden made six stops in goal for the Ducks but took the loss. She also scooped up five ground balls.
In addition to her two goals and two helpers, Wasserman was credited with four draw controls. Smith picked up three ground balls, and senior Alyssa Pigott and sophomore Lindsay Daly picked up two apiece. Loria, freshman Spencer Waybright (one goal, on assist), and sophomore Ashley Carey each had two draw controls.
Rivas scored five goals to lead Ithaca and Borisenok tallied three times. Elizabeth Marino (Skillman, N.J.) picked up six ground balls and caused a game-high three turnovers.
Stevens will return to action on Sunday at Elmira College. Opening draw is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be webcast live at www.PennAtlantic.com.
