Lightning struck again Wednesday. Unfortunately for the Ithaca field hockey team, it ignited the wrong squad, as Houghton College defeated the Bombers 4–1.

The game was delayed for 37 minutes due to a lightning storm, but the delay didn’t help the South Hill squad, as it fell to 0–2 on the season. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Yavits Field, but was moved to the Cortland Sports Complex earlier this week.

Houghton back freshman Ashley Hoffman scored the lone goal of the first half in the ninth minute of play. Senior Stacy Garber added a second goal, unassisted, in the 40th minute. Ithaca rebounded with a goal from senior Melanie KcKaney, assisted by junior Leslie Robinson. However, Houghton answered with two more goals in the last 10 minutes to crush any chance of a comeback.

Senior goalie Andrea Baraiola recorded nine saves and played all 70 minutes for the second game in a row. Baraiola’s nine saves bested Houghton senior goalie Erin Frederick’s seven, but Houghton out shot the Bombers 14-–11 overall. Senior captain Bryce Meck led the team with five shots attempted.

The good news for the Blue and Gold is that they scored their first goal of the season. On Sunday, they were shut out 6–0 by The College of New Jersey.