ROCHESTER, NY – Second-seeded Nazareth scored three unanswered goals in the fourth quarter, including the game-winner by senior Kate Metzler with 3:17 left in the contest, to help knock off third-seeded Utica, 11-10, in the Empire 8 Semifinals on Wednesday. Senior Emma States led the way with five goals and two assists. She is now fifth all-time at Nazareth in points (216) and goals (160) after the strong outing. The Golden Flyers will now head to the championship game for the third-consecutive season, playing either #1 St. John Fisher or #4 Hartwick on Saturday.
 
Nazareth and Utica are both 10-7 on the season after the semifinal matchup. It was the third-straight year that Nazareth and Utica matched up in the semifinals, all of them decided by one goal. Nazareth won 9-8 in 2021, 10-9 in 2022, and 11-10 in the 2023 matchup. With the win, Nazareth also keeps its unbeaten record against the Pioneers, which is now 28-0.
 
The Golden Flyers had the lead for the entire game until the tides shifted in the fourth quarter. With Utica trailing 8-6 to start the final frame, the third see delivered four-straight goals in less than a three minute span to take a 10-8 lead with just over 10 minutes to play.
 
States was able to stop the Pioneers run with her fourth of the day to pull within one. Nearly four minutes later senior Maggie Vay had a great individual effort to back up a missed shot, quickly restarted play, and streak in from behind the goal to tie the game up at 10 apiece with 4:36 remaining.
 
Freshman goalie Allie Klestinec and the Golden Flyer defense stood tall following the Pioneers flurry of goals, not allowing them to find the back of the net over the final 10:26. That included senior Annie Rubel picking off a pass out of the air following the Vay goal which ultimately led to the game-winning goal by Metzler at the other end. After the intercepted pass, Rubel streaked down the field and found Metzler for the game-winner. She finished with two goals, while Vay chipped in three goals.
 
The Golden Flyers held Utica scoreless for over 19 minutes and built a 4-0 lead with 11:47 left in the second quarter.
 
States scored two first quarter goals, her second being her 50^th of the season to make it 3-0. Metzler and Makenna Misiurewicz added first half goals.
 
States added two more goals in the second quarter and the Golden Flyers lead was 6-3 at the half. The Phoenix, NY native now has 53 goals and 20 assists this season.
 
Klestinec added six saves to earn her sixth win of the season.