GENESEO, NY - The Nazareth University field hockey team made an Empire 8 Championship appearance on Saturday, facing top-seeded SUNY Geneseo in the title game. Despite an early goal that tied the game in the opening quarter, the Golden Flyers fell 5-1 to the Knights to conclude their 2025 season.

Nazareth finished the year 14-6, tying the most wins set in program history set back in 2007.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
Nazareth struck first in the opening minutes, earning an early penalty corner and testing the Geneseo defense. Senior Audra Mieczkowski found the back of the cage midway through the first quarter, finishing off a setup from senior Hailey DiMao to even the score at 1-1 after Geneseo's opening goal. 

The Knights responded with another tally before the end of the first half to take a 2-1 advantage into the break, despite several key stops from Nazareth goalkeeper Lauren Bachner, who recorded 15 saves on the afternoon. 

Geneseo extended its lead in the third quarter with two more goals, capitalizing on sustained offensive pressure and a heavy shot advantage (33-6). Nazareth continued to battle, with junior Bella Raymond, freshman Kristina Fisher, junior Isabel Porterfield, and Mieczkowski each registering shots on goal, but the Knights' defense held strong. 

A late fourth-quarter goal from Geneseo sealed the 5-1 result. The Golden Flyers held their own in corners (5-11) and maintained composure throughout a physical match-up that saw both teams assessed two green cards. 

GAME NOTES: 

• Nazareth was making its first appearance in the Empire 8 title game since 2019 when it fell 2-1 to Hartwick
• Goal: Mieczkowski (assist: Hailey DiMao)
• Saves: Lauren Bachner - 15 
• Shots on Goal: Nazareth 5, Geneseo 22
• Corners: Nazareth 5, Geneseo 11
• Record: Nazareth finishes the season 14-6 overall