HOUGHTON, N.Y.-- The Highlander Volleyball team competed at a high level at the Empire 8 Crossover Tournament--losing a close match to the Bombers of Ithaca College 3-2, followed by a 3-0 victory over the Pioneers of Utica College.

In the first set against Ithaca, the Highlanders came out of the gates strong--defeating the Bombers by a large margin, 25-15. A 6 point rally allowed for the Highlanders to get ahead and maintain the lead. While Houghton started the match with a victory, Ithaca came right back with a win. Down 8-6, the Bombers had a 6 point rally of their own to put them ahead 12-8. Soon after, the Bombers claimed the 25-17 win, tying the match 1-1. 

Houghton started the third set in the right manner by taking a 3-0 lead. As the set continued, the two teams found themselves tied 18-18. Houghton was able to close the set with 25-20 victory. With the Highlanders up 2-1 in the match, the Bombers answered back with a 25-22 win, forcing set 5. The fifth and final set was a nail-biter. Tied 13-13, Ithaca ran away with the 15-13 win due to two Houghton attack errors.

Both Hattie Burgher (Selkirk, NY, Loudonville Christian) and Hannah Compeau (Oxford, MI, Faith Christian) were credited with double-double; Burgher with 11 kills and 21 digs, Compeau with 10 kills and 16 digs. Laurel Wroblicky (Irvine, CA, Northwood) contributed with 19 digs, while setter Anna Coryell (Phelps, NY, Midlakes) had 36 assists. 

The second match of the day against Utica went only 3 sets; Houghton was able to take care of business. Ahead 19-18 in the first set, the Highlanders were able to confirm the win by rallying on the last 6 points, winning 25-18. 

With a quick 25-13 second set win over the Pioneers, the Highlander were able to continue that momentum into the third and final set. Tied at 22 in the third set, Houghton was able to come up with the win by capitalizing on 3 consecutive Highlanders kills--beating the Pioneers 25-22. Houghton beat Utica 3-0 in the match. 

For the second match against Utica, Burgher was again credited with a double-double by having 11 kills and 20 digs. Wroblicky had 23 digs, followed by Compeau with 14. Offensively, Coryell earned 20 assists in the match.

The Volleyball team is back in action on Wednesday, October 8th where they will play at home against St. John Fisher at 7pm.