ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Host Nazareth raced to a 16-3 first-quarter lead and went on to take a 71-43 women's basketball victory over Utica at the Kidera Gymnasium. Rachel Benedict finished with a game-high 22 points and a career-high 18 rebounds.

The teams came into the game with identical records, but Nazareth improved to 8-9 overall and 4-4 in conference play. Utica is 7-10 and 3-5. The teams play again Tuesday at Utica.

The score was tied 3-3 early in the first quarter before Nazareth rattled off 13 straight points to take a commanding lead into the second quarter. Elizabeth White then hit a three-pointer to start the second period to extend the lead to 19-3.

Benedict posted a double-double for Nazareth in the first half with 12 points and 12 rebounds to lift the Golden Flyers to a 35-15 lead. Samantha Peebles added eight first-half points, including a three-pointer before the halftime horn sounded.

Nazareth limited the Pioneers to just six baskets in the first half on 27 attempts (22.2 percent). Nazareth, meanwhile, made 12 first-half baskets, including six three-pointers.

Nazareth expanded its lead in the third quarter as Lizzie Straub, Kristen Simmons and Benedict each nailed three-pointers and the Golden Flyers led 52-31. The lead grew as large as 31 points late in the fourth quarter.

Nazareth shot 42.2 percent (27-for-64) from the field overall with 11 three-pointers. The Golden Flyers limited Utica to 23 percent from the field (14-for-61), including just 4-for-18 from three-point range.

The Golden Flyers are home again Saturday to play Sage at 4 p.m.