HOUGHTON, N.Y.—The Highlanders were able to kick off the 2014-2015 season opener on a great note by beating the SUNY Canton Kangaroos 58-50.

Three Highlander free throws gave Houghton the early lead; Hannah Manwaring (Barton, NY, Tioga Central HS) being responsible for the first two at the line. After an 8-8 tie, the Kangaroos began to progress in their offense, minimizing the Highlanders scoring opportunities.

Houghton found themselves down 18-14 with just under 6 minutes left in the second half. However, it was back-to-back layups by both Christel Enriquez-Fisher (Colorado Springs, CO, William Mitchell HS) and Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian) that tied the game. Enriquez and Pipher continued to go the distance by scoring an additional 2 points each. By driving the ball through the paint, Grace Bealor (Haddonfield, NJ, Haddonfield, HS) then gave the Highlanders their final points of the first period. Houghton would go into the second period leading 24-20.

It did not take long for SUNY Canton to tie the game 25-25 in the second period. This trend would continue through a majority or the remainder of the second period; tying 3 more additional times.

Down 45-44 with just over 7 minutes remaining in the game, Houghton regained the momentum. A Highlander layup and jumper, both compliments of Esther Webb (Houghton, NY, Fillmore Central HS), gave Houghton the lead where they would never look back. With 41 seconds remaining in the game Enriquez sank three free throws, confirming the 58-50 Highlander win.

Pipher dominated in the Highlander offense, constituting 23 of the 58 Houghton points. Enriquez followed Pipher with 12 points on the night, as well as 7 steals.

Off to a good start, the Highlanders look forward to their next game on Tuesday, November 18^th where they will play away at Hilbert College, with a start time of 6 p.m.