ROCHESTER, NY – In battle of the top two teams in the conference standings, the Nazareth women's soccer team won a crucial Empire 8 matchup against Utica on Saturday behind a first half goal from sophomore Tatum Overtun. It was Utica's first loss in Empire 8 play. Prior to the game, the Golden Flyers celebrated Senior Day honoring Olivia Foley, Grace Lanzetta, Shayla Scully, and Alexandra Skoda.
 
It was Nazareth's third-straight blank slate after a 2-0 win against Elmira and 0-0 tie against St. John Fisher. Junior goalkeeper Annika Monfort collected her fifth shutout of the season, making three saves.
 
Nazareth is now in sole possession of first place in Empire 8 (5-3-5 overall, 4-0-2 E8) standings and controls its own destiny with two conference games left at Sage (5-4-3, 2-2-2) and Alfred (3-4-4, 1-0-3). Utica drops to 7-4-4 overall and 3-1-3 in league play.
 
It was a strong effort from Nazareth from the get-go as the Golden Flyers delivered consistent pressure throughout the game. Nazareth had a 23-6 edge in shots for the contest and 11-0 margin for corner kicks.
 
The pressure by Nazareth was apparent in the 12^th minute with two great opportunities. Camryn Schiavitti ripped a shot from just outside the 18-yard box that was punched over the cross bar. Off the ensuing corner kick, Grace Palczewski had a header opportunity in tight that hit off the left post.
 
Nazareth scored the lone goal of the game in the 21^st minute. From the right point of the 18-yard box, Scully delivered a pass to Makaelynn Neivel for a one-touch shot that the goalkeeper deflected off the crossbar before Overtun tapped in her team-leading sixth goal of the season.
 
Nazareth continued pressure in the second, with Nievel three minutes in nearly giving the Golden Flyers a 2-0 lead with a right-footed strike that nearly went into the upper 90 but was pushed aside.

The Golden Flyers final three games will be on the road, beginning on Wednesday when the Golden Flyers travel to #4 William Smith (7-0-3) for a 4 p.m. contest.