ROCHESTER, NY – A nearly 25-minute scoreless drought proved to be costly as Nazareth dropped its Saturday contest against Utica, 13-10. Kate Metzler matched a career-high with five goals and Maggie Vay added three tallies. It was the third time this season Metzler has tallied five goals in a game and she now has 31 for the season.
 
Nazareth falls to 4-7 on the year and 1-1 in Empire 8 play, while Utica moves to 10-2 and 2-0, respectively.
 
The win for Utica broke a streak of 28-straight wins for the Golden Flyers, dating back to the 2000 season. The Pioneers had been knocking at the door for their first win over the Golden Flyers as of late and were finally able to break through on Saturday. Nazareth had defeated Utica in three-straight Empire 8 semifinal contests by a goal — 11-10 in 2023, 10-9 in 2022, and 9-8 in 2021.  
 
Nazareth recorded back-to-back goals, one from Liddie Hoare and another from Vay to take a 4-3 advantage near the midway point of the second quarter. The Purple and Gold, however, would go cold after the Vay goal.

The Pioneers scored the final three goals and took a 6-4 halftime lead. Metzler and Julia Dietz also scored in the opening half.
 
The Golden Flyers were held without a goal for the entire third quarter, while Utica added two more goals to make it 8-4 heading into the final frame.
 
Vay finally scoreless drought with a goal 1:35 into the fourth quarter off an assist from Dietz, making it 8-5.

The closest Nazareth came was 10-8 with just under five minutes to play following Metzler's fourth goal. Utica responded with three goals and a late push from Nazareth with Vay and Metzler proved to be too late.
 
Allie Klestinec made 14 saves, while allowing 13 goals.
 
Nazareth returns to action on Wednesday, traveling to Alfred for a 4 p.m. conference matchup.