Nationally-ranked St. John Fisher College suffered a 19-8 loss to visiting Ithaca College on Saturday at Fisher's Growney Stadium in the final home game of the 2014 season.  Prior to the start of the game, the College recognized its 29 graduating seniors and their families.

With the win, Ithaca improves to 7-2 overall and 6-2 in the Empire 8 Conference.  The Bombers have secured at least a share of the Empire 8 title and clinched the Empire 8's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championship.  No. 14 Fisher (7-2, 5-2) can earn a share of the Empire 8 title with a win at Alfred University next Saturday, but will need to receive an at-large bid to NCAAs.

Fisher outgained Ithaca 394-213 in total yards, but lost the turnover battle, 5-0, including four in the second half.  Fisher had committed just nine turnovers over the first seven games.

It was the fewest points and first time Fisher failed to score a touchdown since a 33-3 loss to Mount Union in the 2008 season opener. 

The game was tied at 6s at the end of the first half.  Fisher took a 6-3 lead with 18 seconds remaining in the second quarter on a 25-yard field goal from Greg Lohrman.  After a squib-kick gave Ithaca the ball at its 43-yard line, the Bombers gained 24 yards on two plays and kicker Matt Rottenecker drilled a career-long 50-yard kick as time expired.

Fisher took a 3-0 lead with 1:40 left in the first quarter on a 31-yard field goal from Lohrman.

The Bombers tied it up a 3-3 on a 37-yard kick from Rottenecker with 3:30 left in the half. The Bombers started the drive near midfield after Fisher's James Chambers fumbled at the Ithaca 45-yard line.

Fisher turned the ball over on the opening possession of the second half and the Bombers answered with a 10-play, 52-yard drive, capped by a two-yard from quarterback Tom Dempsey to make it 12-6.   Fisher, however, blocked the point-after-attempt and Paul Leavell returned it over 90 yards to make it 12-8 with 8:31 left in the third quarter.

With just over 10 minutes left in the game, Ithaca scored the game's final points as wide receiver Vito Boffoli found Andrew Tabbert wide open in the end zone on a 24-yard pass on an end-around reverse.

Defensively, Bryant Moore finished with 12 tackles, including one sack.  Peter DiMilia added 11 tackles and two sacks.   Jordan Andrews was also credited with a sack.
Ryan Ballard blocked the extra point attempt.

For Fisher, Tony Fusco rushed for 119 yards on 24 carries.  Quarterback Tyler Fenti gained 74 yards on the ground on 10 attempts. Fenti also threw for 170 yards on 16-of-37 passing.

Mike Collichio caught four passes for 76 yards, while Rob Riggio also caught four passes.