Women's Soccer | 10/23/2021 8:33:00 PM

ALFRED, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher College women's soccer team gutted out a 1-1 Empire 8 draw with Alfred University at Yunevich Stadium on Saturday night. The Cardinals moved to 7-5-1 and 3-2-1 in the conference while they held the Saxons, who have already clinched a postseason berth, to 9-4-4 and 4-1-2 in Empire 8 play.
 
After exchanging shots for the first few offensive possessions, the Cardinals finally found an opening in the 19^th minute of play. Tori Cruz found herself alone and uncorked a shot at the back of the Alfred net for the transfer sophomore's second goal with Fisher on her chest.
 
Fisher then doubled down on its opportunities, as the Cardinals managed to get off 14 more shots in the remainder of regulation time, as opposed to Alfred's nine. The visitors also battled to stay even on corner opportunities, as they had four over the course of the game's first 90 minutes to the Saxons' five.
 
Although Fisher had put itself at the advantage early on, the home squad netted the equalizer just before the game's 66^th minute, which was enough to send the teams to overtime.
 
The ball ricocheted through the midfield for the duration of extra time, as the visitors were the only one of the squads to unload a shot thanks to two corner opportunities, but the lone chance was saved by the Alfred keeper.
 
Empire 8 leading scorer, Carli Kovarik, led the Cardinals on the attack as she fired six shots in the direction of the opponent's cage. Cruz followed up the performance with four shots and the Cardinals' goal, while Jennifer Kirker took three attempts of her own. The final three chances were split by Jessica Aldred, Kathleen Rachwal, and Grace Hainsworth.
 
Halle Tickell made four stops on the evening, as she deflected all but one that came in her direction. The 110-minute tie moves her record between the posts to 6-4-1.
 
The Cardinals must now win out the regular season to make the Empire 8 Postseason Tournament, starting with Keuka College, who they host at Growney Stadium this upcoming Wednesday, October 27 at 7 P.M.