PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University women's lacrosse team hosted the Empire 8 Championship Final on Saturday, taking on no. 2 seed Utica University. The Cardinals faced an early deficit, but quickly flipped a switch in the second quarter before running away in the second half, winning 20-5. This extends their championship streak to 12 straight!
 
Kaley Griffin gave the team the lead a couple minutes into the game, but the Pioneers answered with two goals of their own to claim a one goal lead. Griffin and Hanna Kumpf both scored man-up goals less than a minute apart to go in front 3-2 after one quarter of play. In the second frame, the Cardinals turned it on by outscoring Utica 6-0 to lead 9-2 at halftime. Mary Fiorentino scored her first of the day, before Griffin added her third. Sydney Carpenter and Ellie Leisen each tallied a brace in the second.
 
The Pioneers came out firing in the third quarter, scoring back-to-back goals in the opening four minutes of action. The Cardinals got back to their game and went on a run of seven unanswered goals. Carpenter recorded a hat trick in that run, while Fiorentino, Griffin, Emma Biel and Cara Landry all tallying their first of the day. In the final frame, Carpenter, Kumpf, Alivia Nieman and Chelsea Lopata all scored to give the team a 20-5 win.
 
Carpenter was named Tournament MVP after scoring six goals and dishing out three assists for nine points in the final. Kumpf and Griffin each added six points. Maggie Cross earned the win after playing all 60 minutes and making six saves.
 
The Cardinals now wait for the NCAA Selection Show on Monday to see where they will play the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, scores, highlights and more by downloading the official mobile app for Fisher Athletics. Just search SJF Athletics in the App Store or on Google Play and download today for free. Follow the Cardinals on social media for more! Twitter | Instagram