Nazareth knocks off Cortland for first time, 15-14
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Jamie Martin scored four goals and goalie Brianna Rizzari had 19 saves Monday, March 26 as host Nazareth held off 15th-ranked Cortland in a non-conference women's lacrosse match, 15-14.
It was the Golden Flyers' first-ever victory over the Red Dragons in women's lacrosse. Cortland had won the seven previous meetings in a series that began in 2011. Nazareth evened its overall record at 4-4, while Cortland dropped to 5-3
Nazareth was ahead 10-7 at halftime as Martin scored three times. The Golden Flyers began the game with five different goal scorers with Addilys Geitner, Bridget Collins, Kellie Byrne, Tori Blazey.and Martin each finishing plays. Martin's second goal of the half gave Nazareth a 6-4 lead with 7:55 left. She scored again with 1:24 to go. Then Haley DeVona scored her second of three goals with just :08 left to give the Golden Flyers their largest lead at 10-7.
The second-half pace was a bit more methodical as Cortland stayed close, but the Golden Flyers never relinquished the lead. The Red Dragons closed to within one goal four times, but Nazareth stayed resilient with Katie Carroll converting on a free-poosition shot with 14:12 left for a 13-10 lead. Then with 7:30 left, Blazey scored her second goal of the game to make the score 14-12. Finally, Byrne scored her second goal of the game with 3:38 to play off a pass from Carroll to make the score 15-13. Cortland scored its final goal with:09 left in the game, but Blazey won the ensuing draw control and the Golden Flyers were able to run out the clock.
Of Rizzari's 19 saves, six came off free-position attempts. It marked the seventh time in eight games that Rizzari has amassed double-digit save totals.
Cortland had advantages in shots (49-31), ground balls (25-14 and draw controls (19-12), but Blazey had six draw controls for Nazareth in addition to her two goals and Collins added three assists to go with her two goals.
Jaycie Annable had four goals for Cortland and Lexie Meager contributed three goals and one assist.
Nazareth will close out its three-game home-stand on Saturday, hosting Sage at 1 p.m. in Empire 8 Conference play.