ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Visiting Utica outscored top-seeded Nazareth 4-2 in the extra penalty kick session Thursday as the Pioneers advanced to Saturday's Empire 8 Conference championship game for women's soccer. Thursday's game -- which included 90 minutes of regulation play and 20 minutes of overtime -- officially ended in a 1-1 tie with the Pioneers advancing.

Nazareth finishes its non-traditional season with an overall record of 8-0-1, while Utica is 2-2-3 and will meet the winner of the Alfred-at-Russell Sage game on Saturday for the E8 title.

"It's really disappointing, especially for the seniors," said Nazareth Coach Gail Mann, who completed her 28th season. "I can't believe we couldn't score (the go-ahead goal)."

It wasn't due to a lack of opportunities. The Golden Flyers out-shot Utica 37-12 overall, including 10-0 in the two overtime periods, but were turned away repeatedly by Utica keeper Emily Hill, who was credited with 15 saves, plus two more in the penalty kick session.

Nazareth was controlling play in the first half before Utica scored on its first shot of the game in the 14th minute as Kaela Mochak lofted a shot over the outstretched arms of Nazareth keeper Gabrielle Pighetti for a 1-0 lead. Nazareth kept the pressure on and finally was able to tie the score in the 31st minute as freshman Alexandra Skoda was able to break free and finish a pass from Morgan Siewert.

Nazareth generated 12 more shots in the second half but could not capitalize. Sophomore McKayla Hughes had a good chance in the first overtime, but her point-blank header was saved by Hill. In the second overtime, Caleigh Cahoon had a chance on a free kick just outside the 18-yard mark but her shot sailed over the crossbar. Freshman Grace Lanzetta also had a shot in the closing seconds of overtime, but that also went high.

In penalty kicks Jenna Keeman, Mikayla Kelley, Hillaria Hernandrez and Mochak converted for Utica. Mallory Ott and Hughes scored for Nazareth, but chances by Mia Longo and Lena D'Amico were saved by Hill. 

It marked the second game in a row in which Utica advanced through penalty kicks as the Pioneers also persevered against Houghton, 3-1, in the quarterfinals at Houghton on Tuesday. On Saturday, the Pioneers will shoot for their second straight E8 title as they won it in 2019 when the teams last convened for post-season play.