The Ducks jumped out to an early 6-2 lead and were in control throughout the game’s first 20 minutes. Sophomore Spencer Waybright, senior Pamela Loria, senior Leah Wasserman, Waybright again, Loria again, and junior Michelle Buonacuore had the Stevens goals in the early going.
Ithaca was able to come roaring back over the final 10:13 of the first, outscoring the Ducks 5-1 over the span to tie the game. Junior Nicole Borisenok (Watervliet, N.Y.) had two goals in the spurt and sophomore Tracy Rivas (East Meadow, N.Y.) notched the equalizer with 3.2 seconds to play before intermission.
The second half did not see an advantage of more than one goal either way and was dominated by strong defense and goaltending. Waybright tallied her third goal of the game 8:35 into the second half to put the Ducks up one, but Borisenok answered 1:12 later to tie the score at eight.
After a Stevens turnover with 16:50 in regulation, Ithaca was trying to clear the zone but was unable to do so because Wasserman intercepted an outlet pass and buried her shot to once again give the Ducks the lead on what was a great play.
Borisenok tallied for the fourth time with 10:54 left to tie the game at nine, but Loria was able to put home the game-winner with 6:10 to go after several dodges and moves. It was Loria’s third goal of the game and 40th of the season.
From that point on, the Ducks’ “D” did not allow Ithaca to again ring the bell and Stevens was able to maintain possession for the final 2:23 of game time.
Sophomore Meg Collins, who came on in the second half, was marvelous in goal for the Ducks. She made eight saves in her 30 minutes of action and picked up one ground ball. Five of her eight stops came on free-position attempts for the Bombers and her strong play visibly flustered the Ithaca attack.
Carey finished with three ground balls, three caused turnovers, and two draw controls to lead the Stevens defense. Senior Kate Cox, junior Lindsay Daly, and sophomore Teegan Kelly were all strong as well.
Waybright finished with three goals and a ground ball, while Loria tallied three times as well. Wasserman had two goals, one ground ball and one monster caused turnover, and Buonacuore had a goal and two assists. Freshman Kara Rafferty scored once, while junior Jenna Scheibling had an assist and two draw controls. Senior Christine Smith also notched an assist, scooped up one ground ball, and played solid defense out of her midfield position.
Borisenok led Ithaca with four goals, while senior Katie Hurley (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) had three. Rivas had two goals and two assists, and senior Ali DeCirce (Binghamton, N.Y.) handed out a pair of helpers. Ithaca goalie Jess Worthmann (Commack, N.Y.) had seven saves in a losing effort.
Ithaca ended with a 24-19 shot advantage, but the Ducks held a 14-9 ground ball margin. Ithaca was 1-for-9 on free-position attempts, while the Ducks were 0-for-1. The Bombers won 13-of-20 draw controls.
Stevens has now defeated Ithaca the last two years in the conference final and has won 19 of its last 20 games against Empire 8 opponents the last three years. The program will be making its third appearance in the NCAA’s.
NCAA.com will be broadcasting the NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship Selection Show at 9:30 p.m. Sunday night.