Field Hockey | 11/3/2023 1:40:00 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The No. 1 seeded St. John Fisher University field hockey team is on the brink of its fourth Empire 8 title in program history. First, though, they must defeat defending champion Hartwick, the No. 2 seed, who they host on Saturday at Growney Stadium at 2:00 P.M.
 
The Cardinals advanced to the title game by defeating No. 4 Utica University on Thursday, 1-0, on the strength of a goal by freshman Mary Kate McPhee.
 
Here's what you need to know about the matchup:
 
Imperial History
Although one of St. John Fisher's younger programs, the field hockey team has had success in the Empire 8, winning titles in 2016, 2020 (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and 2021. It also finished runner-up in 2013, 2014, and 2018. The Cardinals were bounced from the tournament last season in the semifinals by Houghton in a 3-0 semifinal game. 
 
Know Your Foe
Hartwick has had five Empire 8 titles since 2002, including titles in 2022 and 2019. This season, the Oneonta-based Hawks are 11-5, including 6-1 in conference play.
 
Their lone conference loss came against the Cardinals on Oct. 21, when Fisher beat them 2-1, thanks to goals by McPhee and senior Sam Choate. The Cardinals are 11-3 all-time against Hartwick, and two of the three losses came during the field hockey program's first two seasons. 
 
Hartwick is led offensively by Julie Ruzzi, who averages a goal per game. 
 
Player To Watch
Senior Sophia Trozzi continues to be a force in goal. The 1-0 win against Utica was her second shutout of the season, although she also had a few other games where she was on track for a shutout but was taken out when the Cardinals had large leads. She leads the Empire 8 in save percentage (.808) and is third in saves per game (8.18)
 
What Comes Next
A win on Saturday will qualify the Cardinals for the NCAA Division III Tournament. 
 
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