WASHINGTON, Pa. -- The No. 18-ranked Washington & Jefferson field hockey team repeated as Empire 8 champions with a 1-0 win over St. John Fisher at Cameron Stadium.

The Presidents extended their program-record win total to 17, as they are 17-1 in 2018. 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 (Huntington Beach, Calif./Edison) 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 second most in program history. 

Buyan's performance on both ends of the field helped her secure her second consecutive E8 Tournament MVP. The Presidents' defense held the E8's most-potent offense (3.4 goals per game) to just five shots, 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, while Gabby Karr (White Hall, Md./North Hartford) ended the day with two. 

In cage, Rena Israel (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) 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 to the Field Hockey Schedule page following the release of the Division III Playoff bracket, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 p.m.