TOURNAMENT HOMEPAGE

ITHACA, N.Y. – For the first time in program history, the Ithaca College field hockey team will host the Empire 8 Conference Championship on Nov. 6 & 7 at Higgins Stadium. Ithaca earned the right to host the postseason tournament after posting a record of 7-1 in Empire 8 regular season play.

Tournament Game Times

Friday, Nov. 6 – Semifinals
No. 1 Ithaca vs. No. 4 Washington & Jefferson – 3 p.m. Live Stats | Video
No. 2 St. John Fisher vs. No. 3 Stevens – 6 p.m. Live Stats | Video

Saturday, Nov. 7 – Final
Semifinal Winners – 4 p.m. Live Stats | Video

Breaking Down the Championship

No. 1 Ithaca Bombers (12-4, 7-1 E8)

The Bombers have never won an Empire 8 championship and have appeared in the tournament four times since 2007. Ithaca brings one of the nation's stingiest defenses into this weekend's championship, as the Bombers only surrender a 0.74 goals against average, which is sixth-best in the country. Along with that, Ithaca ranks fifth in save percentage and 11th in shutouts in DIII. Junior Katie Lass has had a huge role in the defense's success as the starting goalkeeper for all 16 games this season. Lass is fourth nationally in save percentage (.862) and eighth in GAA (0.75).

Offensively, the Bombers will be led by junior Colleen Keegan-Twombly and sophomore Michaela Donohue. Keegan-Twombly paces the team with 31 points on 14 goals and three assists, while Donohue has 21 points on eight goals and five assists. Junior Cassie Schuttrumpf and senior Caitlin O'Brien have also reached double-digits in points scored this season with 14 and 12.

No. 2 St. John Fisher Cardinals (12-6, 6-2 E8)

The Cardinals are in their fifth year as a collegiate program and are 2-3 in Empire 8 tournament play since 2012. Fisher held the top spot in this year's conference standings for most of the regular season until it dropped its final two conference game. The Cardinals boast the highest scoring offense in the conference at 2.67 goals per game and are tied for second in goals against average at 1.33.

Emily Markarian and Elizabeth Cusack (Fisher's all-time leading scorer with 42 goals) lead the offense with 34 and 32 points. Markarian has tallied 14 goals (seven game-winners) with six assists, while Cusack has scored 13 goals with six assists. Lauren Fazio has netted 10 goals and assisted on three more for 23 points so far this season. Danielle Famolaro has factored in every decision in goal this season with five wins coming by way of shutout. Famolaro holds a save percentage of .810 this year.

No. 3 Stevens Ducks (11-7, 5-3 E8)

The Ducks have been the most successful team in this year's field with three championships from 2008-2010 and own an overall record of 7-4 in the E8 Tournament. Stevens is tied for third in the conference at 2.61 goals per game and has earned the most corners in the E8 this season with 194.

Stevens possesses the most balanced offensive attack in this year's championship, as five players have accounted for over 12 points – and four are over 22. Victoria Alvarez paces the group with 29 points on 11 goals and seven assists, while Dailyn Brook has notched 26 points on 10 goals and six assists. Nolie Prouty leads the team in assists with 11, to go along with seven goals for 25 points, and Taylor Welch has put in nine goals with four assists for 22 points. Katti Thomasian rounds out the group with 12 points on six goals. In goal, Emily Stukenborg is 11-6 on the year with a .776 save percentage.

No. 4 Washington & Jefferson Presidents (11-7, 5-3 E8)

The Presidents found their way into the championship with a season-ending victory over Houghton, 6-0, on Oct. 31. W&J brings a seven-game winning streak into this weekend's tournament, and won an E8 crown back in 2011. The Presidents have played the most games in postseason play since 2007 with a 6-6 record.

Amanda Steffy heads the offense with 33 points on 13 goals and seven assists. Allison Morrissey is next on the team with 17 points on six goals and five assists. Lauren O'Malley, Rachel Buyan and Lauren Brown have all scored three game-winners this season for the Presidents and rank third-through-fifth in points. Morgan Brozena is 11-7 on the year between the pipes with a .744 save percentage and six shutouts.

All games this weekend will be available via live stats and video. Click the tournament homepage link at the top of the page to access live coverage and more information on the Empire 8 Field Hockey Tournament.