PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University women's basketball team competed against Nazareth College for a Saturday night Empire 8 rivalry matchup. The Cardinals claimed a 78-68 victory over the Golden Flyers. With this win, Fisher's record improves to 21-2 overall and 16-0 in the Empire 8, with the Golden Flyers moving to a record of 17-6 overall and 13-3 in conference play.

The first quarter began with Nazareth picking up the first two points, quickly followed by a good layup and free-throw by Kaitlyn Walker. Walker picked up the next layup for the Cardinals, putting Fisher in the lead 5-4. Presleigh Brunner struck next for the Cardinals, making a jumper, before the teams went back-and-forth. The quarter ended in the Golden Flyers' favor 11-17.

Nazareth continued to score in the second quarter, claiming the first nine points. Three minutes in, Sidney Tomasso snapped the streak with a jumper. Walker continued the momentum with two free-throws and a layup, the score 17-26 in Nazareth's favor. Kruszka, Katie Moravec, and Tomasso all scored, bringing the deficit to three points. Walker scored two good with the half ending and the deficit was 25-30.

The second half started out with Ka. Moravec scoring an early layup, shortly followed by a three-pointer and jumper from Kruszka. The teams went back and forth, with Brunner scoring a three-pointer to give the Cardinals the lead, 39-36. A minute later, Walker scored a good jumper, followed by a free-throw. The teams spent the rest of the quarter battling for the lead, with Nazareth leading 48-53 going into the fourth frame.

The final quarter started out with a Nazareth layup, followed by Lauren Nawojski getting on the scoreboard with a three-pointer. The next couple of minutes involved Kruszka, Tomasso, and Ka. Moravec all scoring, staying close to the Golden Flyers. Kruszka scored a good three-pointer, followed by Nawojski's layup, making the score 64-66. Walker followed with a layup, tying the game up. 26 seconds later, Nawojski scored a layup, giving the Cardinals the lead. The game ended with Kruszka making a free-throw, the Cardinals winning 78-68.

Leading the Cardinals was Walker, scoring 20 points while going six-for-six from the free-throw line, and collecting seven rebounds. Kruszka also had a stellar game, scoring 17 points and tallying five assists, and four rebounds. Leading in rebounds, was Tomasso with eight. Tomasso also collected ten points and played 40 minutes. Ka. Moravec scored 14 points, five rebounds, and played 24 minutes.

The Cardinals play away next on Friday, Feb. 17. They take on Russell Sage College for a 5:30 p.m. Empire 8 matchup.

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