Box l Crossover site
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth defeated visiting Elmira in four sets on Friday evening by the scores of 25-17, 21-25, 25-22, 26-24. It was the Golden Flyers' first match of the Empire 8 Crossover, which is being hosted in the Kidera Gymnasium. Junior Maria Allocco tallied a team-high 12 kills to lead Nazareth.

With the victory, the Golden Flyers improve to 22-6 overall and 4-1 in Empire 8 matches. The Soaring Eagles fall to 19-11 overall and 2-3 in conference matches following the loss. Nazareth scored the final three points in the fourth set to seal Friday's victory. The Golden Flyers have now stretched their winning streak to seven matches.

In addition to the kills from Allocco, juniors Chelsea Beecher and Olivia harrigan recorded nine kills and eight kills, respectively. Sophomore Jennifer Hicks added six kills on 13 attempts. Freshman Madi Wickens amassed a match-high 34 assists as she directed Nazareth's attack.

Defensively, Allocco stymied Elmira at the net with three solo blocks and one assisted block. Hicks also added one solo block and three assisted blocks while Harrigan recorded three assisted blocks. Freshman Maureen Thayer amassed a team-high 16 digs. Harrigan and Wickens combined for 25 additional digs.

Taryn Rumsey finished with a match-high 13 kills to lead the Soaring Eagles. Sami Hanes had 25 assists, and Catherine Miller recorded 16 digs.

The Golden Flyers resume their action in the Empire 8 Crossover on Saturday when Nazareth plays Alfred at 12:30 p.m. and St. John Fisher at 3 p.m.