Elmira, NY – The Elmira College Women's Basketball team played a tough first half, but ultimately fell to the Ithaca College Bombers, 72-56, at home Friday evening in Speidel Gymnasium. The loss drops the Soaring Eagles to 8-15 overall and 4-8 in Empire 8 play, while the win improves the Bombers to 19-4 overall and 11-1 in conference competition.

In the first half the Soaring Eagles played a competitive game, maintaining a close score with the conference leading Ithaca Bombers. The largest lead of the game was taken by the Bombers in the last three minutes, resulting in a seven point lead at half. Jessica Zoltowski '14 (Erie, PA -- Harbor Creek) led the Soaring Eagles scoring 11 points in the first half. Playing for Ithaca, Jenn Escobido led her team with 10 points and five rebounds.

 

The Bombers came out hot in the second half and stretched their seven point halftime lead out to a nineteen point lead with 15 minutes left in the game. The Soaring Eagles tried to fight back, narrowing the Bombers lead down to 15 points with 12 minutes left. However, Ithaca dominated the rest of the half closing out the game 72-56.

 

Zoltowski led Elmira with a game high of 27 points and five steals, while Alex Balara '15 (Marlton, NJ -- Gloucester Catholic) and Liz Forrest '14 (North Walpole, NH -- Fall Mountain) added seven points apiece. Escobido led the Bombers recording a double-double with 21 points and 12 boards.

 

The Elmira College Women's Basketball team returns to action tomorrow when they host Utica College at 2:00 p.m. in Speidel Gymnasium honoring the Class of 2012.