The St. John Fisher College field hockey team made it to the Empire 8 Championship game for the second consecutive year, but fell to the eventual title winner, top-seed Utica College 3-0 on Sunday.
 
The Cardinals also fell to the Pioneers in the Empire 8 Championship game last year. To move onto the title game, Fisher blanked No. 3 seed Washington & Jefferson 3-0 on Saturday. Despite the loss, the Cardinals set a program record for wins in a season with 12 and finish the Empire 8 postseason with a 12-9 overall record.

Alexis Zakala, Elizabeth Cusack and Marissa Vedella were named to the All-Tournament team for their efforts.
 
The Pioneers struck first in the 13th minute as Hannah Mackey found Louise Steele-Norton in front of the goal.
 
Alaina Stojkovski added to Utica's lead just three minutes later on a breakaway. Stojkovski faced Danielle Famolaro one-on-one and scored the unassisted goal.
 
Fisher had its chance with 17 minutes left in the first half, as Stacie Skidmore and Emily Markarian broke away from the Utica defense, but Markarian shot wide right of the net. Skidmore had an opportunity of her own on a one-on-two breakaway.
 
Fisher had its best opportunity with seven minutes left in the first half. Markarian dribbled down the right sideline and shot it just left of the net, but Cusack was there to collect the rebound, but her shot was deflected and rolled out of bounds.
 
Utica made it a 3-0 game in the 49th minute as Hannah Mackey moved into the circle and fired one past Famolaro in the center of the goal.
 
Famolaro finished with seven saves – each was key to keeping Fisher in the game.
 
In the 70 minutes, the Pioneers held a 11-7 shot advantage over the Cardinals.