Nazareth College Athletics

ROCHESTER, NY - The Golden Flyers began their quest for their first Empire 8 title since 2017 with a 22-6 win over fifth seeded Utica on Thursday afternoon. After falling behind 4-2 in the second quarter, the Golden Flyers came alive, going on an 18-0 scoring run over the next 28 minutes, propelling them to a blowout victory.
 
How It Happened:

• Nazareth drew first blood three minutes in when Kyle Rosenberger found Matthew Farrington alone in front, giving Farrington his ninth career playoff goal. Utica then countered as they scored twice in three minutes to take a 2-1 lead. 
• The Pioneers goalie was up to the task in the first quarter, as he made 8 saves to preserve the 2-1 Utica lead. 
• Early into the second frame William O'Neill broke through to even the score at two a side, but Utica responded with two quick goals to regain the lead at 4-2.
• Just 19 seconds after Utica made it 4-2, William O'Neill doubled down to pull Nazareth back within one. This goal ignited an 18-0 scoring run for the Golden Flyers which saw Kyle Rosenberger dominate, scoring six times in less than ten minutes.
• During the Nazareth onslaught, Matthew Farrington scored twice to complete his hat trick, while Hayden Lucas and William Meagher added two goals apiece.
• The third quarter ended with the Golden Flyers scoring 10 straight goals to hold a commanding 16-4 advantage. 
• Utica would finally get back on the board midway through the fourth quarter, which ended the Nazareth run. Ultimately, the Golden Flyers still managed to score six times in the final quarter, finishing off a 22-6 victory to advance to the Empire 8 Finals for the sixth straight season. 

Game Notes:

• Kyle Rosenberger delivered a career performance, posting a personal best eight points and matching his career high with six goals.
• Matthew Farrington, William O'Neill, and Hayden Lucas each tallied three goals. Farrington added two assists while O'Neill added one. 
• Ryan Avery (2A), William Meagher (2G) and Luke Suchyna (1G, 1A) had two points each. 
• This was Utica's first ever trip to the Empire 8 semifinals

What's Next:

• Nazareth will host St. John Fisher on Saturday, May 2nd at 1 p.m, as they look to end their five year losing streak to the Cardinals in the Empire 8 Finals.