Soccer Title Run Ends with 2-0 Setback

Ithaca’s run through the NCAA Division III women’s soccer championships came to an end on November 21 with a 2-0 semifinals loss to the College of New Jersey. The Lions held Ithaca to just six shots in the game, played on a blustery cold day at the Upper Terrace Field. In the championship contest, New Jersey fell to Macalester College 1-0 in the fourth overtime.

The Bombers were selected to host the "final four" of women’s soccer after posting tournament wins over Cortland (4-3 on penalty kicks), William Smith (2-1), and Tufts (1-0 in overtime). Ithaca was unable to score against New Jersey, which put the game-winning goal—a header off an indirect kick—into the net 18 minutes into the game. The Lions added an insurance goal with six minutes remaining. Sophomore goalie Lindy West made three saves for Ithaca, which ended the season with a record of 15-4-2. Two other sophomores, back Erin DeMarco and midfielder Jessica DiManno, were named to the all-tournament team.

The Bombers have been selected for the Division III tournament 11 times in 12 years and have advanced to the semifinals round five times, including four years straight from 1988 to 1991. Ithaca won back-to-back Division III titles in 1990 and 1991.