PITTSFORD, N.Y. – For the first time in nearly two decades, the St. John Fisher College women's tennis team was triumphant against its East Avenue rival, Nazareth College, as the Cardinals defeated the Golden Flyers, 6-3, on Wednesday afternoon at the Mendon Racquet and Pool Club.  With the win, Fisher, which sits atop the Empire 8 standings, improved to 5-3 overall and 4-0 in the conference while the Golden Flyers slipped to 3-3, 3-1, respectively.

The Cardinals got off on the right foot with senior Kaili Saffran earning a critical point at first singles behind a 6-3, 6-1 performance.  Fisher would post a hard-fought win at fourth singles with Cydney Bell holding on for a 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 decision while Valerie Morgans was a winner at fifth singles, 6-4, 6-4.  Jacqueline Chouinard's win at sixth singles gave Fisher four points in the match as she defeated her opponent in three sets, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

Fisher carried its momentum into doubles play with Veronika Jurczuk and Mikayla Santulli pairing up for an 8-6 decision at second singles in what turned out to be the deciding point of the match.  Fisher tacked on another point at third doubles behind Chouinard and Morgan's 8-2 victory.

With just two matches remaining before the conference championship, the Cardinals will look to keep their position in the Empire 8 standings at 1 p.m. on Saturday when they host Alfred University at Mendon Racquet and Pool Club.