ELMIRA, NY— In Saturday's conference battle between Houghton and Elmira, the Highlanders put up a fight in the second half of the game. The Highlanders slow start in the first half of the game, however, caught up to Houghton, resulting in a 59-44 Soaring Eagle victory.

Just over 3 minutes into the game, Elmira opened the half with a 3-pointer. While Houghton's Hannah Manwaring (Barton, NY, Tioga Central HS) was able to match it, this was not foreshadowing the remainder of the game. In the first half of the first period, the Soaring Eagles led a 14-6 run.

8 points by Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian) in less than 5 minutes looked like a promising opportunity for the Highlanders to minimize the gap. Unfortunately with just a 3 point lead and 5 minutes left in the half, Elmira rallied back and closed out the first half 29-18.

By taking turns scoring in the first few minutes of the second half, Houghton found themselves unable to inch past the Soaring Eagles. The Elmira lead began to slowly increase, taking a 17 point lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game.

3-pointer by Manwaring seemed to spark the Highlander offense. This spark was soon put out due to 7 consecutive Elmira points. The Soaring Eagles found themselves with the highest lead of the game, 19 points. Houghton was able to minimize the gap, but not enough before the end clock ran out. Elmira claimed the 59-44 victory.

Pipher claimed 17 points and 6 blocks on the night, followed by Manwaring earned 13 points.

The Highlanders (3-10,0-5) will travel to Utica College on Friday, January 16^th to play the Pioneers at 6 p.m.