ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Houghton men's tennis advanced to the championship match of the Empire 8 Tournament for the second-straight year with a 5-0 win over Alfred University on Friday at the Mendon Racquet and Pool Club in Rochester.

The Highlanders are the top seed in the tournament and will face No. 2 Stevens on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Ducks defeated No. 3 St. John Fisher in Friday's other semifinal.

Against the Saxons, Houghton got wins in all three doubles matches (8-4, 8-5, 8-1) and then closed the match with wins by Zach Shilvock in second singles (6-2, 6-2) and Dylan Scherer in fourth singles (6-0, 6-2). The other four singles matches were unfinished. Louis-Guillaume Garcia was up (6-1, 5-2) in his first singles match and Jake Fisler was up (6-1, 5-3) in third singles when Houghton clinched the match.

"Alfred came to play today, it was good tennis all around," said Head Coach Tonya McGraner. "Congrats to them for making it to the tournament and for playing a great semifinals match. Our guys were able to stay consistently aggressive and take advantage of big points, and that gave us the edge. We remained focused and converted, with high energy across the board today. It was a good win today and I know we're all excited and ready to go for it tomorrow against Stevens!"

Saturday's championship is a rematch from last year, which Stevens won 5-0. But Houghton defeated Stevens, 5-4, during the regular season this year, breaking the Ducks' 66-match E8 win streak.