Updated stats
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- An inspired Utica team scored twice in the first period Tuesday and never trailed in a 4-1 women's hockey victory over host Nazareth at the Bill Gray's Iceplex.

The loss was the first of the season for the Golden Flyers, who were playing their first United Collegiate Hockey Conference game of the season and dropped to 4-1 overall. Utica, coming off a 6-1 non-conference loss to Morrisville, evened its overall record at 1-1.

Nazareth came into the game having allowed just one goal in its first four games, but the Golden Flyers yielded two in the first 12:27 of the opening period and never recovered. Utica got goals from Abby Lillis at 8:02 and Carolyn Whitney at 12:27 to take control early.

The Golden Flyers picked up the pace in the second period, but Utica took advantage of a Nazareth turnover to extend the lead to 3-0 on a goal by Erica Sloan at 15:30 of the second.

Nazareth finally got on the board at 1:33 of the third period when Hailey Redders knocked in a rebound of a shot by Gabriella DeMeo, who gained the assist. Nazareth kept the pressure on and had a 19-5 advantage in shots in the third period, but could not capitalize on two power play chances.

Utica's fourth goal came with just 25 seconds left, after Nazareth had pulled goaltender Adrianna Brehm in favor of an extra skater. Sloan took advantage by stealing the puck again and breaking free for the easy score.

Nazareth's advantage in shots overall was 44-27. Neither team scored on the power play. Nazareth had five chances, Utica four. Pioneers' goalie Bria Reilly had 43 saves in her first start of the season. Brehm stopped 23 shots for Nazareth.

The Golden Flyers are on the road this weekend for a pair of UCHC games. They visit Wilkes Friday at 3:30 p.m. and then are at King's Saturday at 5.