Box l Updated Stats

ROCHESTER, NY –Nazareth scored three goals in the final 2:29 of regulation to force overtime before sophomore Jessica Locey netted the sudden victory goal in the extra period to give the Golden Flyers a 14-13 victory over RIT in its home-opener. 

Nazareth remains perfect on the season at 4-0, while RIT drops to 1-3.

The Golden Flyers put on a furious attack over the final three minutes of regulation sending the game to overtime.  Trailing 13-10, Nicole DeVona stole a pass from the Tigers goaltender and quickly found Kate Rothrock to start the comeback with 2:29 left on the game clock.  Haley DeVona, who had a game-high five goals to go along with two assists, found the back of the net for the final time with 1:50 to play.  Nazareth's final goal came right off of a timeout inside midfield as Carly Gates used her speed to blow by the defense, evening the score with just :10 seconds remaining. 

Neither squad led by more than one goal in the first half.  Gates scored the first goal of the game just over two minutes in.  With Nazareth trailing 5-4 late in the half, Haley DeVona cashed in twice, including an assist from her sister Nicole giving Nazareth a 6-5 lead at the break.

In the second half, Nazareth scored just three goals in the first 23 minutes, allowing the Tigers to open up a 12-9 lead.  Haley DeVona brought Nazareth to within two goals at the 6:40 mark.  RIT appeared to sure up its lead at 13-10 when Corrina Mandell scored, but Nazareth mounted a comeback.

Freshman Brianna Rizzari played the final 13:21 of the game to earn the win, making a critical save towards the end of regulation on a free position.  Mackenzie Corbett made six saves, while allowing 10 goals in 49 minutes of play.

Gates notched three goals and three ground balls, while causing three turnovers in the contest.  Rothrock added two goals and two assists – including assisting Locey on the game-winner.

Nicole DeVona (one goal, two assists), Suzie Gray (one goal), and Katie Carroll (one goal) also got in on the offensive action.

Nazareth returns to action on Saturday when it will travel to Rochester for a 1 p.m. non-conference matchup.