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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Junior Veronica Peck scored a career-high 21 points and senior Melissa Reeves pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds for host Nazareth Friday as the Golden Flyers defeated Utica in Empire 8 women's basketball action, 70-51.
 
Nazareth avenged an earlier defeat to the Pioneers and clinched a berth in the four-team Empire 8 Conference Tournament Feb. 27-28. The Golden Flyers improved to 14-7 overall and 9-3 in conference play. Utica slipped to 9-14 overall and 5-9 in the E8. Nazareth has won four in a row and six of seven.

Peck's 21 points included five three-pointers. Junior Lindsey Kelly added 15 points and 11 rebounds and junior Sam Sorge had 14 points.

Nazareth trailed for a brief time early in the game before seizing control and eventually led 30-18 at the half despite committing 14 turnovers in the first 20 minutes. Peck connected on three three-point baskets in the first half, including one in the closing seconds to extend Nazareth's lead to double digits. Junior Colby McCartney also came off the bench in the first half to score eight points.

Peck hit two more three-pointers in the opening minute of the second half and Sam Sorge also hit one as Nazareth extended its lead to 17 points at 39-22. The Golden Flyers' second-half lead never left double digits as they remained comfortably ahead. Kelly made two free throws with :58 left to extend the lead to 69-51. Then Kelly Broderick added a free throw with :44 left to leave the final margin at 19 points.

Nazareth made 22 of 45 shots from the field (48.9 percent), including 8-for-20 from three-point range. The Golden Flyers also canned 18 of 22 free throws (81.8 percent) with Peck and Sorge each going 4-for-4. Nazareth also enjoyed a decisive 42-27 rebounding advantage.

Utica's shooting was off the mark most of the way. The Pioneers went 5 for 21 (23.8 percent) in the first half and 16 for 55 (29.1 percent) overall. Bridget Greenwald was Utica's high scorer with 15 points. Mary Miceli and Samantha Slayer each scored 12.

Nazareth is back on the hardwood Saturday at St. John Fisher at 2 p.m.