The SUNY Oneonta women's soccer team entered today's matchup with Ithaca in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten streak that included three straight wins.  They were also playing at home for the first time since the last weekend of September.  Unfortunately, for the Red Dragons, they ran into an Ithaca College squad that was seeking its fourth straight victory.  Something had to give.  And today it was Ithaca that squeezed out a 1-0 victory on Red Dragon Field.
 
The two teams played to a scoreless opening first half with the shots going, 6-5, in favor of Ithaca (8-3-1).  Early in the half, the Bombers had its most dangerous opportunity right in front of the goal that was kicked away by senior Erica Berry (Bellmore/Kellenberg Memorial).
 
Off of its only corner kick of the first half, the ball became loose in front where Taylor Baranowsky was able to get a shot off that looked like it was headed for the back of the goal, but Berry was standing on the line and blocked it away.
 
A few minutes later, senior Kayla Distin (Fulton/G. Ray Bodley) banged a shot off the cross bar for Oneonta (9-2-2).
 
Ithaca had the edge in play in the second half generating four shots on goal in the first 10 minutes.  Fortunately, none of them found the back of the goal, as senior Rori Stark (Brewster/Brewster) made all the stops.
 
It wasn't until the 65^th minute when Ithaca finally broke through on the scoreboard.  Jess Demczar was able to dribble to about 25 yards out before putting a shot on frame that sailed over Starks head into the upper right corner of the goal.  The goal for Demczar was her second of the season.
 
In the final seven minutes of the match, Oneonta kept the pressure on, generating a pair of shots and earning a couple of corner kicks, but they just couldn't slip anything past the Ithaca keeper.
 
Stark finished with five saves for Oneonta in the second half after she came in for starter Kelley Murphy (Albany/Colonie Central), who made a couple of saves in the first half.
 
Beth Coppolecchia made three saves for the Bombers in recording the shutout.
 
Oneonta will back on the road this Saturday for a SUNYAC contest versus New Paltz beginning at 1pm.