Back to Back! Washington & Jefferson Repeats as Empire 8 Field Hockey Champions

11/3/2018 5:09:23 PM

WASHINGTON, Pa. - No. 18 Washington & Jefferson epeated as Empire 8 champions with a 1-0 win over St. John Fisher earlier today at Cameron Stadium. With the win, the Presidents extended their program-record win total to 17, as they currently stand at 17-1. With today's victory, W&J earned its third E8 championship and an automatic bid into the 2018 NCAA Division III Tournament for the third time.

Tournament MVP Rachel Buyan scored the game-winning goal 21:36 into the first half. The senior defender dribbled the ball into the circle and took a shot that was turned away by Fisher's goalie. On the rebound, Buyan regained possession and lofted a shot into the back of the cage. The goal is the 47th of her career, moving the senior into a tie for the second-most in program history. 

Buyan's performance on both ends of the field helped her secure E8 Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. It's the second straight year she's been recognized with this award as she also was named the winner last season. The Presidents' defense held the E8's most-potent offense (3.4 goals per game) to just five shots Saturday afternoon, zero on goal. By limiting the Cardinals' offense, W&J was able to maintain a 7-5 shot advantage. Buyan led all players with five shots in the match.

In cage, Rena Israel played all 70 minutes for the Red & Black. The sophomore logged her 13th shutout in 16 starts. Following today's win, Israel's nation-leading goals-against average improved to 0.27. 

Information regarding W&J's next game will be posted following the release of the Division III Playoff bracket, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 p.m.

2018 Empire 8 Conference All-Championship Team
Maria Stalder, Hartwick
Perry Williett, Hartwick
Ashley Maynard, St. John Fisher
Meagan McDonald, St. John Fisher
Lindsay Scott, St. John Fisher
Anna Cooper, Stevens
Regan Littell, Stevens
Alana Boyd, Washington & Jefferson
Rachel Buyan, Washington & Jefferson*
Rena Israel, Washington & Jefferson
Claire Shaak, Wahington & Jefferson
* - Indicates Most Valuable Player
 
- Information for this release provided by the athletic communications staff at Washington & Jefferson - 

About the Empire 8 Conference
The members of the Empire 8 are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and aspire to be regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership seeks to distinguish itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the Empire 8.