HOUGHTON, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University women's soccer team recorded its third shutout in its last four games as it beat Houghton University 4-0 on Wednesday night at Burke Field. 

The victory marked the Cardinals' sixth in a row – the program's longest winning streak since at least 2005 – and pushed their overall record to 9-3-1. Fisher, 7-1 in the Empire 8, remains tied with Brockport for first in the conference standings with four games to play, including three conference contests. 

Fisher, which has outscored its opponents 20-2 during this run of victories, scored twice in the first half and tacked on two more in the second. Junior goalkeeper Avery Byrnes, named Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, made a pair of saves in her third straight shutout and 13th of her career. 

Senior midfielder Kate Rachwal scored her fourth goal of the season on an assist from fellow senior midfielder Emma Spelman at the 19:45 mark in the first half. About seven minutes later, Spelman scored her sixth goal of the year with some help from senior forward Riley Grimm to put Fisher ahead 2-0. Spelman ranks second in the Empire 8 in assists (8) and is tied for second in points (20). 

The Cardinals extended their lead to three midway through the second half when Grimm got in on the scoring, finding the back of the net on an assist from senior defender Gwen Madden. Grimm, who's scored in three of Fisher's last four games, leads the Cardinals and is tied for third in the Empire 8 with seven goals. 

Forward Emily Woolingham, assisted by senior midfielder Siobhan McMakin, added the Cardinals' final tally with about 12 minutes remaining. Woolingham, a freshman, has four goals this season and has scored in back-to-back games. 

The Cardinals have won their last five games against Houghton. 

Up Next

The Cardinals face Hartwick at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Growney Stadium. The team's 11 seniors will be honored before the game.