Box Score UTICA, NY – An exciting back and forth Saturday Empire 8 match ended in a hard fought 2-1 overtime loss for the Nazareth University field hockey team against Utica University at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. Freshman goalie Morgan Russo nearly tied her career best appearance in goal with 17 saves made on the evening. 
 
The first period opened with lots of intense back-and-forth play, with no team gaining an advantage at by the first break.
 
Play began in a similar way for the second quarter, with Russo making a great sequence of saves just a couple minutes into the quarter. Russo stopped another prime scoring opportunity against the Pioneers to keep the score even at 0-0 heading into halftime. 
 
With 3:30 left in play of the third quarter, Utica graduate student Shannon Jedreicich had a breakaway opportunity that Russo managed to turn away with a great effort in goal.
 
The last period began with both teams hungry for a goal to break the scoreless tie. The tension was finally broken by sophomore Audra Mieczkowski in the 50th minute of play. The Golden Flyer's definitive goal was scored off a rebound from junior Lydia Coombs, who was credited with the assist. 
 
Just three minutes later, Utica was quick to tie the score with relentless effort off a penalty corner to make it 1-1. Two minutes later, Russo stood tall once more to halt another breakaway two-on-none opportunity for the Pioneers. 
 
The game was ended by the Pioneers in 7-v-7 overtime, when senior Alyssa Pisano redirected a shot from senior Emily Frank off a corner to end the game for a 2-1 final.
 
Nazareth's record now stands 1-11 overall and 1-4 for conference play.
 
The next game for the Golden Flyers is home on Sunday October 15 at NLPA Field versus Oneonta.