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ITHACA, N.Y. -- Top-seeded Ithaca dominated play Sunday to capture the Empire 8 Conference championship for women's soccer with a 2-0 victory over Nazareth at Carp Wood Field.
The victory marked the third straight conference title in women's soccer for the Bombers, who improved to 14-4-1 overall and gained an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Tournament. Nazareth is 11-7-1 overall.
Rachael Palladino scored both goals for the Bombers and shared game MVP honors with teammate Amy Scheffer. She scored early in each half and now has 12 goals on the season. Megan Trager was credited with assists on both goals.
Palladino's first goal came in the fourth minute on a hard shot just inside the 18-yard mark. Her second goal came just 46 seconds into the second half.
Ithaca had sizable advantages in shots (23-6) and corner kicks (8-2). Ithaca's Jessica Platt needed to make just one save. Junior
Hillary Simon had nine saves for Nazareth.
The Golden Flyers were seeking their ninth NCAA appearance, but now must hope for an at-large selection. First-round pairings will be announced Monday.