BOX SCORE

The St. John Fisher College women's soccer team opened up Empire 8 play with a 1-0 loss to the visiting Houghton College Highlanders, Thursday evening at Growney Stadium.
 
With the loss, the Cardinals slip to 3-7 overall and 0-1 in the conference standings, while Houghton climbs to 5-1 and 1-0 in Empire 8 play.
 
Both teams struggled to get any offense going, as the first half featured an early defensive struggle until Houghton's Stephany Ellison found daylight and lofted a shot over the head of Brooke Seavitt's outstretched hands for what proved to be the deciding goal.
 
Fisher had a chance to even the score late in the second frame when Chelsea Oberkrieser beat her defender and booted a ball in front of the net that found a cutting Nicolette Nigro, but her shot sailed just wide.
 
Seavitt nabbed seven shots, while Houghton goal minder, Shawna Sprout had six saves.
 
The Cardinals return to play at 1 p.m. on Sunday as they host Mount St. Mary College on the Growney turf.