ELMIRA, N.Y. -- For the first time since the 2015 season, the Elmira College women's volleyball enters the final weekend of Empire 8 Conference play in prime position to earn a berth in the Empire 8 Championships.

With a 4-1 record in conference action, the Purple and Gold currently have a firm grasp on the No. 3 seed in the postseason picture. St. John Fisher sits in the driver's seat, having clinched a playoff berth with a spotless 5-0 E8 record, while Houghton has secured a spot in the postseason with a 4-1 record.

With two playoff positions secured, Elmira has full control over its own destiny heading into its final pair of E8 matches. The Soaring Eagles head to Rochester, New York, for matches against St. John Fisher and Nazareth on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, respectively.

With a singular win over either of their feathered foes, the Purple and Gold would seal their spot in the tournament. The Soaring Eagles could jump the Cardinals for the No. 1 spot and earn hosting duties for the postseason if they beat St. John Fisher in three sets and take care of business against Nazareth.

The team to watch for the Purple and Gold will be the Hawks of Hartwick. If the Hawks earn wins over Nazareth and St. John Fisher, while Elmira falls to 4-3 overall, then Hartwick would leapfrog the Soaring Eagles into the E8 Championships, while Nazareth would keep EC out of the postseason picture.

After all of the hypothesizing is said and done, the Soaring Eagles control their fate. EC's performances this weekend will define its inaugural season under the direction of first-year Head Coach Daniel Miranda. According to Miranda the team is chomping at the bit for the opportunity.

"The team is really honing in on the matches this weekend," Miranda said. "We are playing two of the most experienced programs within our conference and we've had arguably our strongest week of practices. These women have their goals set very high. I'm anticipating two all-out battles this weekend that we will be ready for."

Keep an eye on the Soaring Eagles; they're primed for the big stage.

Don't miss out on any of the action. Click Here for links to live coverage for both of this weekend's matches.