HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Top-seeded Nazareth rallied to take four singles points Saturday against second-seeded Hartwick as the Golden Flyers captured the Empire 8 Conference title in women's tennis for the second year in a row with a 5-3 triumph over the Hawks.

The Golden Flyers, who also claimed the title last spring and have won three times in the past five season, improved to 9-1 overall with their second win of the year over the Hawks. Hartwick is 9-3. Nazareth also gained an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Tournament, which will be contested next spring.

"This season's competition proved to be pretty tough," said Nazareth Coach Paul Waida. "I'm very proud of our players for rising to the occasion."

Trailing 2-1 after the three doubles matches, Nazareth took four singles points in convincing fashion as each player won matches in straight sets.

Aliya Guzman and Claire Pullen won matches at first and second singles respectively. Guzman defeated Hartwick's Jade Killikelly 6-4, 6-3 and Pullen won 6-1, 6-2 over Ryann Ashhy.

Freshman Lily Bulkeley and sophomore Katelyn Spath also won at fourth and sixth singles respectively. Bulkeley took down Val Kohberger 6-2, 6-2 and Spath won 6-2, 6-0 over Jess Sexton. In addition, senior Lauren Carr was winning her third singles match before the match was halted when Nazareth clinched the title.

In doubles, Guzman and Pullen combined for an 8-3 win at #1, but Hartwick took a lead with wins at second and third doubles. Ashby and Kohberger defeated Nazareth duo of Bulkeley and Carr 8-3 and Marsh and Sexton combined to beat Nazareth's third doubles group of Gwen Burns and Theresa Hecht.

Guzman, who also won singles and doubles matches on Friday in Nazareth's narrow 5-4 win over Houghton, was named as tournament MVP.