HOUGHTON, N.Y.-- The Highlander Volleyball team (11-9) beat the St. John Fisher Cardinals by a score of 3-1 in tonight's match.

The first set of the evening was one of high intensity, where the "win by 2" rule was implemented. Tied 24-24, Hattie Burgher (Selkirk, NY, Loudonville Christian) and Naomi Prentice (Linwood, NY, York Central) were able to confirm the Highlander win by producing the last two points--one kill each. 

With the 1-0 match lead, the Highlanders found themselves leading by a small 2 point (20-18) margin in the second set. While leaving the Cardinals stalled at 18 points, the Highlanders were able to win the game as a result of 5 consecutive kills--winning set two 25-18. 

Unfortunately the momentum of the first two set wins did not carry into the third set. The Highlanders lost this set by a score of 25-20. 

Houghton was able to claim the victory in the fourth set of the match. "We finally managed to finish in 4 instead of taking the match to 5 sets," commented head coach Nancy Cole. This being said, the Highlanders rallied the last 6 points consecutively, confirming the 25-19 victory. 

Coach Cole continues, "This was a must win for us tonight in order to stay in conference playoff contention. It was a true team effort. The girls took turns carrying one another, fighting as a unit to get the job done."

Burgher earned a double-double by having 16 kills and 19 digs. Jaclyn Algier (Attica, NY, Attica) followed on the offensive end with 10 kills. While Alyssa Quimby (Northglenn, CO, Community Christian) had 14 digs, 30 additional digs were credited to Laurel Wroblicky (Irvine, CA, Northwood). 

On Saturday, October 11th, the Highlanders will play a dual match at home against the Saxons of Alfred University at 10am, followed by the Gators of Allegheny College at 2pm.