ROCHESTER, NY – The #3 seed Houghton Highlanders stunned two-time defending Empire 8 field hockey champion and #2 seed St. John Fisher Cardinals on their home turf, 3-0.  The Highlanders advance to their first conference championship game at top-seed Hartwick on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
 
In a scene that has replayed itself numerous times this season, Empire 8 leading goal-scorer, Bekah Davie, slammed home the game-winning goal in the 15^th minute on an assist from Empire 8 assist leader, Jace Hunzinger. 
 
While the first goal would prove all that Houghton would need, as Madison Tadusz and the Highlander defense posted their sixth shutout of the season, the offense continued to put away goals.
 
Just five minutes before the half, Elzandie Du Plessis slotted an outstanding pass to Deborah Cross, who finished her ninth goal of the season to put the Highlanders up, 2-0, at the break.
 
While Fisher threatened numerous times, the Houghton defense held steady, and with just over 18 minutes to play Du Plessis ripped a shot past the Fisher keeper, tacking on some insurance for the purple and gold.
 
The win avenged the loss the Highlanders suffered at the hands of the Cardinals on October 12^th on the same field.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: #3 Houghton – 3 | #2 St. John Fisher – 0
Records: #3 Houghton: 14-5 | #2 St. John Fisher: 8-11
Venue: Growney Stadium, St. John Fisher University | Attendance: Unknown

SCORING SUMMARY
 

Time	Team	Description
14:28		Bekah Davie (18) Assisted By: Jace Hunzinger
25:01		Deborah Cross (9) Assisted By: Elzandie Du Plessis
41:36		Elzandie Du Plessis (8)

NOTABLE STATS
>> Davie's goal was her 18^th of the season, and Hunzinger's assist was her 18^th.  The Hunzinger-to-Davie pairing has connected eight times this season.  Both sophomores, Davie's goal was the 30^th of her career, while Hunzinger's assist was also the 30^th of her career.  Davie now holds sole possession of fourth place on the all-time scoring list, while Hunzinger became Houghton's single-season assist leader, and tied the all-time career assist record.
 
>> Since returning from injury on September 24, Du Plessis' impact has been profound.  After being held scoreless in her first game back, she has notched points in eight-of-nine games since.  Over that stretch she has scored eight goals and given out four assists (20 points).

>> The win broke a string of 10-straight losses to the Cardinals. Houghton's last win in the series was a 5-0 victory in 2012.
 
>> As a team, the Highlanders continue to build on their record-setting season.  They have now scored 69 goals this year, 11 more than in any previous season. 
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will travel to Oneonta to take on the #1 seed Hartwick Hawks, who defeated the Utica Pioneers earlier today in the other semifinal game, 5-1.  The game is slated to begin at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.