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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth defeated visiting Alfred 3-0 in Saturday's Empire 8 Conference contest. Junior Mia Longo scored in the first half, then classmate Ashley Plane and senior Kristen Prohaska scored in the second half to extend the Golden Flyers' lead. As the top-seed in the next week's Empire 8 Tournament, Nazareth receives a bye in the first round, then the Golden Flyers will play on Thursday against the winner of the fifth-seed vs. sixth-seed game.

With the victory, Nazareth remains undefeated and stand at 8-0 overall and 6-0 in conference games. Following the loss, the Saxons drop to 0-5 in the conference and 0-5 overall.

The Golden Flyers controlled the game from the opening whistle. Longo broke the scoreless tie midway through the first half when her left-footer found the back of the Alfred net. The goal was Longo's second of the season. The scoring opportunity was established by junior Sydney Moss, who sent a cross from the left side of the field.

Just over two minutes into the second half, senior Lauren Begy assisted on the Golden Flyers' second goal. Begy's service into the box reached Plane. After controlling the pass, Plane fended off the Saxons' defender to put a shot past Alfred goalie Hannah Fuller for her fifth goal of the season. Prohaska capped Nazareth's scoring with her sixth goal of the season with about 25 minutes to play in regulation. Sophomore Ashlyn Slate set up the scoring chance by sending a pass from the side of the box to Prohaska at the top of the box.

The Golden Flyers dominated the Saxons in total shots 31-1 and corner kicks 7-0. The only shot that Nazareth's stout defense allowed was to Stephany Samis in the closing minutes of regulation.

Junior Gabrielle Pighetti was credited with one save in the shutout victory. It was the sixth shutout of the season for Nazareth and fifth solo shutout for Pighetti. Fuller made 13 saves in the loss for Alfred as the Golden Flyers pressured the Saxons' defense throughout the game.