ROCHESTER, NY – Sophomore Rachel Benedict scored a career-high 26 points, 20 of which came in the first half, helping Nazareth send Houghton home packing with a 73-60 defeat.  With the win, Nazareth caps the weekend with a sweep, moving to 6-6 overall and 2-1 in conference play.  Houghton drops to 8-7 and 4-2, respectively. The Brockport, NY native also had 13 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season.

Nazareth started hot from the field, opening the first quarter 8-for-13 (61.5 percent).  Despite Houghton scoring the first seven points, it was the Golden Flyers who held a 20-19 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Benedict poured in 11 points (5-for-6), while Delaney Martin had six (2-for-2). 

The sophomore forward was one rebound short of a double-double in the first half, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-13 from the floor.

Nazareth held a 38-36 lead at the half.    

The first five minutes of the third quarter belonged to Nazareth, with a 13-3 run giving the Golden Flyers their largest lead at 51-39. 

Nazareth scored just one bucket though over the final 4:35, allowing the Highlanders to come within 53-49 heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Golden Flyers had the better of the fourth quarter with Benedict going over her previous career-high of 25 points, following two free throws for a 63-53 lead. 

After a brief threat from Houghton, Elizabeth White drained a 3-pointer at the four minute mark to help Nazareth maintain a double-digit lead the rest of the way.  White dished out a game-high five assists.

Samantha Peebles struggled form the floor (4-for-12) but managed to score 15 points behind 8-for-10 from the line.

Martin matched a career-high with 10 points. 

The Golden Flyers return to the court on Tuesday, traveling to East Avenue rival St. John Fisher for an 8 p.m. matchup.