ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Top-seed Houghton defeated No. 4 Utica University, 5-0, to advance to its fourth-straight Empire 8 Men's Tennis Championship match on Friday at Nazareth College.

No. 2 Nazareth hung on to defeat No. 3 seed St. John Fisher College, 5-3. The Highlanders and Golden Flyers will meet at Annette Shapiro Courts at Nazareth at 12 p.m. on Saturday in a rematch of last year's title match as Houghton looks to claim a repeat and advance to the NCAA National Tournament.

"Nazareth has proven to be our greatest conference rival over the past few years so it is fitting that we see them here in the final again this year," Head Coach Zach Shilvock said in preview of the final. "The men are prepared for a battle and I am excited to see another thrilling match tomorrow."

NO. 1 HOUGHTON 5, NO. 4 UTICA 0
The Highlanders jumped out to a commanding 3-0 lead, sweeping the doubles play with 8-3, 8-1 and 8-0 wins. Jaimie Staerkle rolled to a 6-0, 6-0 win at third doubles to give Houghton a 4-0 lead before Matt Cicero clinched the match with a 6-0, 6-0 victory at fourth singles.

The doubles-winning teams consisted of Isaac Little and Staerkle (first), Nolan Zach and Levi Webb (second) and Micah Schilke and Cicero (third).

The league champion receives an automatic berth into the 2022 NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Championship, which begins May 12-14, with first, second and third round action.

Houghton has won both previous meetings between the two schools this season, 7-2 on April 2 and 5-4 less than a week ago on April 30. Houghton also won last year's title match by a 5-4 score.

2022 Empire 8 Men's Tennis Championship

Tournament Website

Schedule

Friday, May 6 – Semifinals (Outdoor at Nazareth College)
#1 Houghton College defeated #4 Utica College, 5-0 - BOX SCORE
#2 Nazareth College defeated #3 St. John Fisher College, 5-3 - BOX SCORE

Saturday, May 7 – Championship (Outdoor at Nazareth College; Indoors (if necessary at Mendon Racquet Club)
#1 Houghton College vs. #2 Nazareth College – 12 p.m.