Fisher Box
Stevens Box
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HOBOKEN, N.J. -- Nazareth lost to host Stevens Saturday in the championship match of the Empire 8 Conference Tournament. The Golden Flyers lost in three sets, 25-13, 25-21, 25-16 to fall to 29-10 overall.

Combined with a three-set win over St. John Fisher earlier in the day, Nazareth must hope now for an at-large selection to the NCAA Division III Tournament. Tournament pairings will be announced late Sunday. Stevens gained the conference's automatic berth for the second year in a row and improved to 32-4 overall.

Freshman Audrey Zimmerman had seven kills and Kate Zwickl added 22 assists, but Stevens defeated the Golden Flyers for the second time this season as E8 Player of the Year Melanie Volk amassed 12 kills.

Earlier in the day, Nazareth dominated St. John Fisher in a semifinal match 25-17, 25-17, 25-19. Juniors Katelynn Reed and Carra Vanderstyne each produced 11 kills and junior setter Kate Zwickl totaled 39 assists.

Nazareth trailed 5-4 in the first set before rattling off seven straight points to seize the lead for good. The lead swelled to 19-10 before Fisher scored four straight to close within 19-14. Senior Laura Persico had seven of her nine kills in the first set, including the set-clinching point. Zwickl had 14 of her assists and junior Mallorie Clary had 12 of her 21 digs.

Likewise in tthe second game, Nazareth trailed early on. It was 8-5 Fisher before Nazareth scored five straight points -- including three kills from Vanderstyne -- to go ahead to stay.

Nazareth controlled the third set from the start, scoring five of the first six points, including kills by freshman Audrey Zimmerman, junior Hillary Adam and Vanderstyne. Fisher drew to within 11-9, but Nazareth reeled off four straight points, fueled by kills from Zimmerman and Zwickl.