HOUGHTON, N.Y.—The Women's Basketball team performed at a high level against the Pioneers of Alfred State in this afternoon's game. The Highlanders matched the Pioneers point for point the first period and rally for rally the second period. Houghton's 6-point rally in the last 34 seconds of the game did not suffice, falling short 56-53.

At the beginning of the first period, the two teams found themselves in a 10-8 run, with Houghton trailing. A 3-point shot by Hannah Manwaring (Barton, NY, Tioga Central HS) put the Highlanders ahead for a brief moment. Going point for point, the two teams tied on 4 different occasions. It was in the last 45 seconds of the period when Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian) sunk 2 free throws to put the Highlander on top 23-21.

While the first 2 minutes of the second period were scoreless, thereafter the two teams had an 11-8 run, including 3 Manwaring 3-point shots. The 5-point, 34-29 lead began to dissipate due to Alfred scoring 13 points consecutively.

With an 8-point lead, the Pioneers maintained it by taking turns scoring with the Highlanders. It wasn't until the last 34 seconds of the game when the Highlanders earned 6 of those points back. Down 55-53 with 2 seconds left on the clock, Alfred confirmed the win with a free throw.

Regardless of the loss, the Highlanders outshot the Panthers in nearly every category.

Manwaring led the way with 20 points on the night, followed by Pipher with 17. Both Manwaring and Pipher combined, shot 66.7% at the free throw line.

The Highlanders (3-5) are back in action on Friday, January 2^nd where they play away at Hartwick College with a 6:00pm start time.