PITTSFORD, NY – St. John Fisher exploded for three goals in the third quarter to open up a 5-0 lead and went on to post a 6-0 victory over the Nazareth College Field Hockey team in the semifinal round of the Empire 8 Tournament Tuesday night at Growney Stadium.

The Cardinals advance to play Utica Saturday for the Empire 8 title. Utica defeated Hartwick 2-1 in the other tournament semifinal game.

The game was scoreless until the final minute of the first quarter when top seeded St. John Fisher (11-7) scored after a drive around the left side of the defense and a centering pass that was knocked into the back of the goal for the 1-0 lead.

Midway through the second quarter, the Cardinals doubled the lead with a goal off a penalty corner and the lead remained 2-0 at the halftime intermission.

The Cardinals scored three times in a span of three minutes early in the third quarter to take a commanding lead.

Nazareth (6-11) had a few chances in the second half but was unable to create a sustained offensive effort to produce multiple scoring chances.

St. John Fisher held a commanding 46-2 advantage in shots and a 32-1 edge in shots on goal.

Senior Amanda Chuttey had 26 saves for the Golden Flyers and she finishes her career with 499 saves and the third position on the all-time saves list at Nazareth. Her 257 saves this season is tied for second on the season saves list.