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UTICA, N.Y. -- Junior Rachel Benedict joined elite company for the Golden Flyers Saturday by becoming the 17th female member of the 1,000-career point club as Nazareth defeated Utica in women's basketball, 71-61.

The Golden Flyers rebounded decisively following a Friday night loss at Hartwick as they improved to 11-6 overall and 6-2 in Empire 8 Conference games. Utica dropped to 6-12 overall and 1-8 in the E8.

Needing 19 points to reach 1,000, Benedict went five better with 24 points to go with a game-high 15 rebounds for her 12th double-double of the season. She scored 12 of her points in the first half as Nazareth was building a 40-29 advantage. She reached the 1,000-point mark with 1:11 left in the third quarter when she buried a three-point shot from the right wing. She became the third Nazareth basketball player to reach the 1,000-point mark this week, joining men's players Jake Burgio and Brendan Wind, who joined the club Tuesday and Friday respectively.

Freshman Jadyn Abrams also had a strong game by connecting for a career-high 25 points with four three-pointers. Sophomore Isabella Gjonaj grabbed 10 rebounds and passed for six assists and freshman Miyah Sizer contributed nine points and five assists.

Utica had the lead early in the game, but Nazareth rallied to lead 21-20 after one quarter. Abrams went to work for Nazareth in the second quarter by scoring 11 points, including three three-pointers as the Golden Flyers extended their lead to as many as 13 points before halftime.

Utica rallied to close within three points early in the fourth quarter, but Nazareth persevered as Benedict interrupted the rally with a three-pointer and Abrams scored five more of her points.

Nazareth shot well overall, hitting 48.4% of its shots (30-for-62) with seven three-pointers. The Golden Flyers also enjoyed a 35-24 rebounding advantage.

Nazareth is back home Tuesday to host Elmira at 5:30 p.m.