ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- No. 4 seed Houghton (3-3) advanced in the first round of the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Tournament, winning by default over No. 5 seed Russell Sage.

This is the third time Houghton has qualified for the tournament since joining the E8 (2017 and 2019).

The victory propels the Highlanders into the conference semifinals against top-seed Nazareth (6-0) at 4 p.m. Thursday at Nazareth. No. 3 seed Utica will take on No. 2 St. John Fisher in Thursday's other match at St. John Fisher.

Nazareth and Houghton faced off in the season-opener on March 6, with Nazareth earning a 9-0 victory.

Thursday's winners will meet for the 2021 Spring Women's Tennis Championship at the highest remaining seed. The E8 Champion receives an automatic berth into the 2021 NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Championship.

Reaching the tournament is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, which has been playing short-handed for each match.

"The girls have dealt with a lot of struggles this year, as have all of the teams that have competed this semester. They've had their seasons postponed, played with COVID precautions, had five girls on court because of injuries and players leaving, we've had new players join, and just an all-around crazy year. Through it all this core group of girls has shown a phenomenal level of grit and heart," said Head Coach Tonya McGraner. "To earn a No. 4 seed headed into the tournament and to make it to the semi-finals is a great reward for all their hard work. Their energy, attitudes, and the love they have for each other have meant so much this year, and I'm super proud of them for all they have accomplished."

Taking on the top-seed is not small challenge, but it's something McGraner feels that team is prepared for. "Nazareth is a fierce competitor. They're number one in the conference because they play with confidence and intelligence. But our girls have been training all week with this match in mind and we've learned a lot from when we played them earlier in the season. I think we're going to have some tough battles on the court. It's going to be an exciting tournament."


Thursday, April 1 - Semifinals
(Indoor)
#1 Nazareth College vs. #4 Houghton - 4 p.m.
#2 St. John Fisher College vs. #3 Utica – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 3 - Championship
Winner of Semifinal #1 vs. Winner of Semifinal #2 – TBA at Highest Remaining Seed

ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.