BOXSCORE | CUMULATIVE STATS
WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Second-seeded Nazareth rallied from an early first-half deficit by scoring three straight goals in a 3-2 victory over Ithaca Saturday in the semifinals of the Empire 8 Conference Tournament for field hockey.

The victory, Nazareth's second of the season over Ithaca, improved the Golden Flyers' record to 13-5 overall and lifted them into Sunday's E8 championship game. The Golden Flyers will play top-seeded Washington & Jefferson (15-3) for the E8 title at 1 p.m. (WNJR-FM 91.7).

Against Ithaca (6-10), Nazareth fell behind midway through the first half, but Nazareth countered by converting on a penalty corner as time expired in the first half. Sophomore Kelly Flanagan (Fairport HS/Fairport, N.Y.) was credited with the goal, her team-leading 15th of the season, breaking Nazareth's single season record. The play originated from a penalty corner by Jodee Magistro (Comsewogue HS/Port Jefferson Station, NY) and Flanagan scored off a rebound to tie the score.

The Golden Flyers' rally continued into the second half as they scored twice in the first six minutes of play to go up 3-1. Senior Kelly Miranda (Ossining HS/Ossining, NY) scored both Nazareth goals, her ninth and 10th off the season. Both goals were assisted by Marissa Rys (New York Mills HS/Yorkville, NY).

Ithaca came back and scored with less than four minutes to play on a goal by Meg Malone, but Nazareth was able to run out the rest of the clock. Leslie Robinson scored Ithaca's first goal.

Nazareth had 12-5 edge in shots and an 8-3 advantage in penalty corners.