Women's Soccer Wins Empire 8 Championship; Advances To NCAA Playoffs On Penalty Kicks   Nikki Rice helped Ithaca advance to the NCAA Playoffs    

Rochester, N.Y. -- The women's soccer team tied Nazareth 0-0, but clinched a berth in the NCCA Division III Tournament by outshooting the Golden Flyers 5-4 in penalty kicks. The two teams played to a tie in the Empire 8 final for the fourth year in a row; Nazareth eliminated Ithaca in penalty kicks in 2002 and Ithaca has advanced via penalty kicks the past three seasons.

Sophomore goalie Aimee Meacham (Massena/Massena) made 13 saves in the game. Meacham improved to 11-2-4 on the season.  

Nazareth began the penalty kicks, with both teams tying through the first six kicks. Freshman Nikki Rice (Sutton Memorial/Sutton, Mass.) was successful on seventh and final shot for the Bombers, clinching the playoff berth for Ithaca. 

Ithaca will be making the program's 16th appearance in the NCAA playoffs (and third straight); all 16 have come in the past 19 years.