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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Houghton sophomore Ashley Hughes scored Saturday's game-winning goal 7:33 into overtime to lift the visiting Highlanders 2-1 over Nazareth in an Empire 8 Conference field hockey game. The Golden Flyers took the initial lead when senior Catherine Willard scored her ninth goal of the season midway through the first half.

With the loss, Nazareth slips to 4-6 overall and 2-3 in conference games. Following the victory, Houghton improves to 5-4 overall and also stand at 2-3 in the Empire 8.

Hughes took advantage of an opening in the Golden Flyers' defense and dribbled toward the Nazareth goal before putting her shot past freshman goalie Kimber Nourse. Houghton outshot Nazareth 4-1 in the overtime period.

Willard, whose nine goals currently lead the Empire 8, put the Golden Flyers on the board 16:08 into the game. Nazareth controlled much of the possession early and midway through the stanza before the Highlanders claimed control before the half.

Houghton's Nicole Jennings tied the score with just under 10 minutes to play in the period. The scoring chance arose after a Nazareth turnover near midfield, and the Highlanders took advantage of the transition opportunity. Grace Lee passed to Jennings toward the center of the field to tie the score.

In the second half, Nazareth and Houghton each had scoring chances. Roughly five minutes into the period, Willard had an opportunity in front of the Houghton goal, but goalie Elizabeth Piszker saved the attempt. About seven minutes later, Willard clanked a shot off the right post. With about 12 minutes to play in regulation, the Highlanders thought they had taken the lead following a penalty corner, but the goal was disallowed.

Houghton finished with a 17-12 advantage in total shots and a 9-5 advantage in penalty corner opportunities. In addition to Willard's three shots on goal, junior Kristina Back and freshmen Leah Good, Sarah Dugas, and Meg Beiter each had one shot on goal. Nourse recorded a game-high 10 saves in the loss, while Piszker had six saves.

Nazareth is in action again when the Golden Flyers host Geneseo in a non-conference contest Wednesday at 5 p.m. Nazareth resumes its Empire 8 schedule Saturday with a critical game on the turf against Stevens.