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ITHACA, N.Y. -- Top-seeded and host Ithaca scored a pair of second-half goals Sunday to overcome second-seeded Nazareth, 3-1, to capture the Empire 8 Conference championship for women's soccer. Senior Olivia Derleth scored Nazareth's lone goal.

The Bombers, ranked seventh nationally, improved to 16-2 overall and claimed an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Tournament. It marked the ninth time that Ithaca has either won outright or shared the E8 title. Nazareth, which has competed in every conference title game the past 12 seasons, finishes the season 11-7-2 overall.

Nazareth had a 12-10 advantage in shots in the first half and got a goal from Derleth in the 27th minute to tie the score at 1-1. It was Derleth's 10th goal of the season and was assisted by sophomore Courtney Malia.

Ithaca picked up the pace in the second half and had an 11-3 shooting advantage. Ellyn Grant-Keane scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 57th minute off an assist from Jackie Rodabaugh, who scored for the Bombers in the first half. Ithaca scored again in the 81st miute as Holly Niemiec converted a pass from Taylor Baranowsky.

Nazareth had opportunities early in the game, but couldn't capitalize. Rodabaugh gave the Bombers the early lead in the seventh minute as her fourth goal of the season was assisted by Niemiec.

Senior Bethany Novak played all 90 minutes in goal for Nazareth and made nine saves. Beth Coppolecchia went the distance for Ithaca and made four saves.

Ithaca defender Aimee Chimera was named tournament MVP. Derleth represented Nazareth on the all-tournament team along with senior midfielder Anne Czelusniak and senior defender Sarah Cipperly.