UTICA, NY - Utica University's women's lacrosse team is set to continue its 2026 postseason run in a Semifinal Round matchup with #1-seeded St. John Fisher University. Opening draw is set for tomorrow, April 30th, at 7:00 pm at Growney Stadium.

Follow Along: Fans looking to travel to Rochester can purchase tickets to the game HERE. Those looking to follow along from elsewhere can find the video stream HERE, and live stats HERE.

First Round Recap: The Pioneers opened postseason play with a commanding 18-9 win over #5-seeded Hartwick in the Empire 8 First Round, improving to 11-6 on the season and remaining unbeaten in home postseason contests. After the Hawks battled back to even the score at 6-6 midway through the second quarter, the Pioneers seized control, closing the half strong and then breaking the game open with a dominant second-half surge. Utica outscored Hartwick 12-3 over the final 24 minutes, including a 6-1 advantage in the third quarter to build a double-digit cushion it would not relinquish.

Alyssa Specchio (Chenango Forks, NY/Chenango Forks) led the offensive effort with eight points on five goals and three assists, while Bella Kolb (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford) and Alexis Alteri (Clinton, NY/Clinton) each added four goals to power a balanced attack that saw seven different Pioneers score. Jessica Marciano (Churchville, NY/Churchville Chili) contributed two goals and an assist, and Maria Stuhlman (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) added three points while controlling the draw with eight wins. In goal, Makayla Purdy (Shirley, NY/William Floyd) made eight saves to secure the victory, which marked the 29th win of her career, a new program record.

Last Game Against SJF: Utica dropped a 16-4 decision at #24 St. John Fisher earlier this season, falling to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in Empire 8 play at the time. The Pioneers competed evenly through much of the first half, holding a 3-3 tie midway through the second quarter before the Cardinals used a late push to take a 6-3 lead into halftime. St. John Fisher carried that momentum into the second half, stringing together a 13-goal run to create separation.

Four different Pioneers found the back of the net in the contest, with Stuhlman and Alteri scoring on free-position opportunities early, while Meghan Brennan (Southbury, CT/Pomperaug) added a second-quarter goal and Kolb capped the scoring late. Defensively, Vanessa Leon (Riverhead, NY/Riverhead) led the way with three caused turnovers, and Purdy made eight saves while facing 30 total shots from the Cardinals.

Scouting St. John Fisher: The Cardinals began their season 1-1 in February, falling to the University of Rochester 10-6 before defeating Clarkson 18-7. The squad then split back-to-back 11-10 games in Colorado, defeating Kenyon College before falling then-#24-ranked Colorado College. A defeat by then-#9 William Smith sent the Cardinals to 2-3. After that, the team won the next 11 of 12, outscoring opponents 223-50 in the span. The team's sole loss came in a 15-11 defeat at Ithaca College on April 17th. Across the 12-game span, Utica was one of just six teams to score four or more goals in their matchup.

St. John Fisher's offensive production has been headed by junior Ellie Leisen, who has scored 44 goals and assisted on 34, double her next-best teammate. Senior Dharma Makarowsky has chipped in 55 points herself (38g, 17a), while Chelsea Lopata and Kaley Griffen have both beaten the keeper 33 times, assisting on 16 and 11 goals, respectively. Maddie Lowney has been a key part of the Cardinal defense, leading the team in both caused turnovers (53) and ground balls (55). Lowney also ties with Griffin with a team-leading 68 draw controls. Junior Maggie Cross has been St. John Fisher's primary goaltender, posting a .434 save percentage and a 6.49 goals allowed average across 831:37 of play.

Up Next: Utica is now slated to take on #1-seeded St. John Fisher University in the Semifinal Round. Opening faceoff is set for 7:00 pm tomorrow, April 30th, at Growney Stadium. With a win over the Cardinals, the Pioneers would be lined up to take on the winner of Geneseo/Brockport on the road in the championship game on Saturday.