In a game that was much closer than the score indicated, the 12th-ranked University of Rochester field hockey team emerged with a 5-2 victory over visiting St. John Fisher College on Wednesday night at Rochester's Fauver Stadium.
 
The win pushes Rochester' record to 11-0, while the Cardinals drop to 6-3, snapping a four-game winning streak.  Both programs are off to the best start in their respective histories.
 
Rochester scored off a penalty corner less than three minutes into the game and it stayed 1-0 after the opening period.
 
The Cardinals started off the second half with a strong start, getting a great chance from freshman Emily Markarian's breakaway, but her shot trickled just wide of the cage.
 
On the ensuing Yellowjacket possession, Rochester upped the lead to 2-0.
 
In the 44th minute, the Cardinals did cut the lead in half, making it 2-1 behind a goal from Alexis Zakala.  The senior slapped in a shot from eight yards in the center of the circle off a penalty corner pass from classmate Stacie Skidmore.
 
Rochester got that goal back though at 51:34, scoring on a shot into the upper right corner.
 
The Cardinals, fighting to get back in the game, then had back-to-back chances from Markarian and Elizabeth Cusack saved away in 61st minute.   After another Rochester goal, Fisher responded with a goal from Cusack - her team-leading ninth the year - with just under six minutes to go, making it 4-2.

The Yellowjackets, who held a slight 16-14 edge in shots, added an insurance goal in the closing seconds to seal Fisher's fate.  Rochester also held a slim 11-9 advantage in penalty corners.

Goalie Danielle Famolaro stopped seven shots for the Cardinals.

Fisher returns to action at 4 p.m. on Saturday and will host Houghton College in an Empire 8 Conference matchup.   The Cardinals are currently tied for first in the Empire 8 with a perfect 3-0 record.