Score: Ithaca College 22, Elmira College 1
Records: Ithaca (4-2, 1-0 Empire 8), Elmira (1-3, 0-1 Empire 8)
Location: Higgins Stadium - Ithaca, NY

Ithaca, NY -- The Elmira College women's lacrosse team suffered a 22-1 loss at the hands of Ithaca College in the 2016 Empire 8 Conference opener on Wednesday afternoon.

The Bombers received back-to-back goals 25 seconds from Riley Marion inside the first four minutes of the game to spark what turned into a 15-0 first half run for Ithaca.

The Soaring Eagles struck first in the second half, as reigning Empire 8 Women's Lacrosse Player of the Week Moorea Spoljaric '16 won the opening draw control of the period and raced downfield, depositing the ball in the back of the net 15 seconds later. Spoljaric won the ensuing draw and wasted no time firing a shot on goal, but Ithaca relief goalie Kimberly Presuto was there for the stop.

EC nearly scored again with approximately 10 minutes remaining in the second half. Spoljaric's initial shot rang off of the crossbar but Marisa Carr '18 was there to collect the rebound, only to have her shot attempt saved by Presuto.

Turning Point
On the first possession of the game, EC netminder Payton Rusin '18 recorded a trio of saves in a span of 1:10 to keep the Bombers off of the board. Spoljaric received a pass from Hayley Baker '19 at midfield on the following clear attempt and carried the ball into the eight-meter arc; however, the senior had her first shot saved by IC's Emily Ross. Had Spoljaric been able to score on Elmira's first possession to take the lead, the Soaring Eagles may have been able to tilt some of the early momentum in their favor.

Inside the Box

• Ithaca held advantages in shots (36-to-9), ground balls (22-to-16), and draw controls (16-to-10).
• The Soaring Eagles converted only 6-of-14 clears; IC was a perfect 15-for-15.
• Elmira finished with twice as many saves (12-to-6).
• Spoljaric took eight of EC's nine shots in the game, scoring the only goal for the Purple and Gold.
• Spoljaric also won a game-high six draws.
• Both Laura Powell '16 and Kelcey Crawford '18 caused three turnovers and picked up three ground balls.
• Marion scored seven times for Ithaca to pace all scorers.
• Ithaca received two hat tricks from Allison Panara and Mackenzie Robinson.
• Rusin finished with a season-high 12 saves for Elmira.
• Ross earned the win with two saves in the first half while IC backup Presuto made four saves.

News and Notes

• Elmira opened the Empire 8 schedule with a loss and is now 1-3 on the year.
• Spoljaric has now scored at least one goal in 21 consecutive games.
• Rusin's dozen saves are a career high.
• Crawford, Kyra McDonald '18 and Sarah Hughson '18 each made their women's lacrosse debut after wrapping up the women's ice hockey season over the weekend.

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles will hit the road for a 1:00 p.m. contest against Utica College on Saturday, March 26th, at 1:00 p.m. to continue the Empire 8 portion of the schedule.