Women's Soccer | 11/7/2014 3:35:00 PM

Box | Updated stats | Tournament site
ITHACA, N.Y. -- Second-seeded Nazareth used a pair of first-half goals by graduate student Christine Belding Friday to defeat third-seeded Stevens, 2-0, in an Empire 8 Conference semifinal game for women's soccer.

The Golden Flyers battled through blustery winds and near-freezing temperatures at Ithaca's Carp Wood Field to overcome the Ducks for the second time this season. The Golden Flyers are unbeaten in their last six game (5-0-1) and improved to 14-3-2 overall. Nazareth plays Ithaca (14-3 overall) for the conference title Saturday 1 p.m. The top-seeded Bombers defeated St. John Fisher 3-1 in the other semifinal game. Saturday's game is a rematch of last year's final and will mark the 10th meeting between the two teams in the E8 title match. The Golden Flyers also are seeking their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2008.

Belding's goals came in the 11th and 24th minute for her eighth and ninth tallies of the season. The first goal came in the when she redirected a corner kick by Courtney Malia past Stevens goalie Lindsey Mahnken. She scored again about 13 minutes later when she headed in a crossing pass by sophomore Michaela Soules, who was credited with her team-best 11th assist.

Nazareth had a 15-14 edge in shots, but nine of Stevens' shots came in the second half. The Ducks' best chances came with about 16 minutes left when a shot by Raba Nassif deflected off the left goal post. The rebound caromed to the foot of Carly Bean, who kicked the ball over the goal. Another bid by Nassif about a minute later hit off the crossbar. Sophomore Allison Dobles was credited with her sixth shutout of the season after making six saves.

Saturday's game also is a rematch of an earlier meeting at Carp Wood Field in which Ithaca prevailed 2-1 in overtime.