Ithaca Advances to E8 Finals
PHOTO GALLERY
Sarah Woychick had a part in all three goals as the top-seeded Bombers defeated fourth-seeded St. John Fisher in the Empire 8 semifinals, 3-1. Ithaca will face the winner of second-seeded Nazareth and third-seeded Stevens in Saturday's title match at 1 p.m.
Ithaca improved to 14-3 overall, while Fisher closed out the season at 6-12.
Woychick scored her first of the contest just under 10 minutes into the opening half, giving Ithaca the 1-0 advantage. Woychick took a through ball from freshman
Kristyn Alonzo at midfield, springing her for a partial breakaway. Woychick fought through a defender at the far side of the box, eventually beating Fisher keeper Brooke Seavitt low for her sixth tally of the season.
Woychick struck again in the 31st minute, adding to the Bomber lead with another breakaway goal. Sophomore
Taylor Baranowsky started the play this time around, leading Woychick with a pass from midfield on a clear lane to the net. Woychick faked out the cardinal keeper, and fired a shot to the far left post for her seventh goal of the year.
Jessie Warren added the final insurance marker Ithaca would need roughly five minutes later, putting the Bombers ahead, 3-0. Warren collected a pass at the top of the box from Woychick, before sending a shot to the bottom left corner for her first goal of the season.
The Fisher offense was able to break the Bomber defense with just 1:50 remaining in the contest as
Molly Beaton tallied her third goal of the season.
Jackie Romano dribbled down the right side and found Beaton in front of the net, who shot it past a diving Beth Coppolecchia.
Ithaca held a 17-5 shooting advantage over the Cardinals.
Coppolecchia recorded four saves for Ithaca. Seavitt made four saves in net for Fisher in 82:28 of play before she was replaced by
Gabriella Cotugno to close out the game.