The Cornell women’s soccer team opened its 2026 season with a victory Thursday afternoon, building a three-goal lead before holding off a late St. Bonaventure comeback for a 3-2 win at Berman Field.
The Big Red controlled much of the match despite steady rain, finishing with a 21-8 advantage in shots and an 8-5 edge in shots on goal.
Cornell broke through in the 35th minute when junior midfielder Ivy Tolbert scored the first goal of her collegiate career. Senior forward Alanna Colbert and freshman forward Hayes Wheeler provided the assists.
The Big Red doubled their advantage just before halftime. Senior midfielder and co-captain Emily Gibbons sent a right-footed shot off the post and into the net in the 44th minute, giving Cornell a 2-0 lead at the break.
Colbert added what proved to be the deciding goal shortly after halftime. Gibbons found her on the right side of the box, and Colbert finished in the 51st minute to put Cornell ahead by three.
St. Bonaventure refused to go quietly. Liana Tata converted a penalty kick in the 76th minute before Aofie Murphy scored eight minutes later to cut the deficit to one. Cornell’s defense held firm over the final minutes to secure the victory.
Freshman goalkeeper Sofia Kerrigan made three saves in her collegiate debut, including several important stops early in the match. She was one of three freshmen — alongside Savig and Wheeler — to make her first collegiate start.
The victory marked Cornell’s highest-scoring season opener since 2019 and its first season-opening win since 2021.
Cornell continues its four-match homestand Sunday against Boston College at Berman Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.