UTICA, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher College men's tennis team clinched a berth in the Empire 8 Championship next week following a 5-4 win over Utica College Saturday afternoon at the Utica Tennis Courts. With the win, Fisher moves to 5-9 on the season and 3-4 in the conference, while the Pioneers fall to 5-6 overall and 1-6 in the Empire 8. 
 
The Cardinals lost the opening round of doubles play, 8-1, as Anthony Molosag and Jordan O'Connell were defeated. Soon after, Sean Danahy and Jake Anthony took the court and earned Fisher's first doubles win 8-4, before Cameron Campbell and Zach DeCaro followed with a win of their own, 8-4.
 
Heading into singles play, Utica would take the first three matches to reclaim the lead 4-2. Fisher's Anthony would earn the Cardinals their first singles victory, 6-2, 6-0, followed by O'Connell with a 6-1, 6-4 victory, tying the match up at 4-4. 
 
In the final singles match, DeCaro brought home the win following a 6-2, 6-3 victory, giving Fisher the match win 5-4.
 
The Cardinals have one more match before the postseason as they will host Alfred University at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Mendon Racquet and Pool Club.