ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – In their quest for a state championship, the Ithaca High School girls’ lacrosse team is making history.

On June 7, the girls punched their ticket to the New York State Semifinals, dispatching Valley Central by a final score of 15-4. It’s the first time the squad has ever reached the state semis. Backed by stellar defensive play and a balanced, high-scoring offense, Head Coach Kaitlyn Hoffay has led the Little Red to a 17-1 record.

“Coach Kaitlyn Hoffay has been instrumental in the success of our program,” stated IHS Director of Athletics and Wellness Samantha Little. “As both a former player and a dedicated JV and varsity coach, she embodies Ithaca Athletics. Her passion, commitment, and strong connections with scholars have driven the team’s growth over the past decade. The excellence our athletes show is a direct reflection of her leadership.”

The team will now play Section 1 champion Suffern with a trip to the Class A State Final on the line. The game is set for 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, June 13, at SUNY Cortland’s White Field.

According to the Ithaca City School District, a pre-game community send-off for the team will happen tomorrow at 9:15 a.m. at IHS’s Deebs Field.