ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira College women's basketball team will be back in action on Friday evening (5:30 PM EST) when heading to the campus of St. John Fisher University for the semifinal round of the Empire 8 Tournament when taking on the Cardinals. The two teams are a pair of four that remain, as Russell Sage and Nazareth will square off in the other semifinal game at 7:30 PM at St. John Fisher. 

The Purple & Gold qualified for the semifinals after picking up a 65-58 victory over Houghton on Tuesday in the first round. In the win, First Team All-Conference selection Desiree Roy '25 posted a season-best 17 rebounds, while as a team, the Soaring Eagles turned the ball over a season-low eight times in the victory. 

Matchup History:
In its history, Elmira has posted a 12-59 record against the Cardinals, with its last win coming during the 2013-14 season. Eight of Elmira's 12 wins all-time against the Cardinals have been at Elmira, with just three wins coming on the road. 

Quote from Coach Phillips:
"Making it to the E8 semifinals means a lot to the program, not just for the current team, but for the alumni base, the current students, the athletic department, but most importantly, for our girls. They've come in and worked really really hard. Our goal at the beginning of the season was to make the playoffs, and now we are in a situation that is a testament to the hard work that everyone around the program has put in. This is great for our success this year, but also a great stepping-stone for our future success as well."

Southern Tier Ties:
Waverly graduate Sidney Tomasso is the Cardinals starting guard. A sophomore, Tomasso earned First Team All-Conference honors along with Roy this season, averaging 14.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. 

Keys to the Game:

• Limiting Turnovers: When turning the ball over less than 15 times, the Soaring Eagles are 7-2 on the season. When committing 15 or more turnovers, Elmira has posted an 8-8 record. In Fisher's two losses to Hamilton and Rochester, the opposition turned the ball over 14 and 17 times, respectively. In two games this season, the Cardinals have outscored Elmira 71-21 in points off turnovers.
• Crash the Boards: It will be critical for Elmira to corral rebounds on the defensive end, as the Cardinals held a 43-7 advantage in second-chance points against EC this season, averaging 16 offensive boards per game. 
• Control the Pace: It will be important for Elmira to slow down on offense and look for interior success once breaking an almost guaranteed pressure from the Cardinals. 

Ticketing Information:
$6.00 - Adults
$4.00 - Students (with ID)
Free - Children Under 12
All tickets can be purchased at the game.

Statistics/Live Video:
St. John Fisher University will provide all live video and statistics. Video can be accessed through clicking here while live stats can be accessed here.