SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Sophomore Hannah Sams connected from 40 yards out with 9:34 remaining in regulation to give the Union College women's soccer team a 1-0 victory over Ithaca College, ranked ninth in the latest United Soccer Coaches Division III national poll, on Friday afternoon at College Park Field.
 
The victory is a huge one for Union (9-2-4, 2-1-2 Liberty League), extending the team's unbeaten streak to six matches while also handing Ithaca (9-1-3, 4-1-0 Liberty League) its first loss of the season.
 
With the game still scoreless in the 81st minute, Sams gathered an Ithaca clearing attempt about 40 yards from the Bomber net and set a rocket that was perfectly placed into the top-left corner past the outstretched arms of keeper Grace Hickey for her second goal of the season.
 
Sophomore Maya Koster came up big at the other end of the field with six saves to pick up her sixth win of the year and her third clean sheet. The defense, led by senior Maddy Mack, junior Anne Pearl, sophomore Ashley Sheldon and first-year Gill Horvath, did well to limited Ithaca's opportunities in the offensive third and stymie the Bomber offensive attack.
 
Both teams had periods of solid possession in the opening half, though the Bombers controlled the ball for the better part of a 60-40 split. The Garnet Chargers managed just one shot over the first half hour, but got some better looks over the final 15 minutes, putting three shots on target. Both Koster and Hickey made three saves in the opening half, as the Bombers held a 7-4 shot advantage overall.

Union came out strong to begin the second half, clearly having the better of play over the opening 25 minutes and keeping the ball in the Ithaca defensive end for large stretches. Ithaca ended up with an 8-4 edge in shots over the final 45 minutes, due in large part to their desperation in the final few minutes to find the equalizer. The Bombers finished the game outshooting Union by a 15-8 margin.

Union will continue a busy Homecoming and Family Weekend tomorrow with another nationally ranked tilt, hosting USC #25 William Smith College for a 2 p.m. match at College Park Field.