PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The No. 1 seeded St. John Fisher University field hockey team won their Empire 8 semi-final on Thursday over No. 4 Utica University, 1-0.

The Cardinals jumped ahead, 1-0, in the first quarter on a goal by freshman Mary Kate McPhee on a deflection of a 13th-minute send-in by junior Audrey Grieb.

St. John Fisher continued to attack throughout the game but couldn't enlarge the lead despite outshooting Utica 16-5, including 10-4 in shots on goal. The Cardinals also had far more penalty corners than Utica, with 16 opportunities to the Pioneers' seven. 

Senior midfielder Sam Choate led the team with seven shots, including six on goal. 

Senior goalkeeper Sophia Trozzi made four saves on the night to preserve the shutout win, including one save with 17 seconds left to seal it. 

The Cardinals now host No. 2 seeded Hartwick in the Empire 8 Field Hockey Championship game on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Growney Stadium. Gametime is set for 2:00 P.M.