HOUGHTON, N.Y.—  Today's victory over Hartwick was a big milestone for the Houghton Women's Basketball team, earning their first official Empire 8 conference win by outscoring the Hawks 51-42.

A slow start to the first half allowed for only an 8-7 run to be accounted for within the first 12 minutes of the game. The two teams soon found themselves tied 13-13.
With the decision by Christel Enriquez-Fisher (Colorado Springs, CO, William Mitchell HS), Hannah Manwaring (Barton, NY, Tioga Central HS), and Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian) to team-up, the Highlanders were able to turn up the tempo by scoring 11 point consecutively. Houghton led the Eagles 24-13 going into the second half.

Pipher opened the second half with a jumper, increasing the Highlanders' lead. After taking turns scoring in a 10-8 run, Houghton's Hannah Fink (Coudersport, PA, Coudersport HS) took matters into her own hands by scoring 6 consecutive Highlander points.

Free throws proved to be the stabilizer for the Highlanders, sinking 11 within the last 7 minutes of the game. Houghton's 76% at the free throw line helped contribute greatly to their 51-42 conference victory.

While going 6-8 at the free throw line, a total of 14 points were credited to Pipher. Enriquez was a close second with 12 points while going 6-7 at the free throw line. Fink and Manwaring both earned 11 points on the night.

The Highlanders look forward to their next conference match-up on Tuesday, February 3^rd where they will play away against Nazareth College at 6 p.m.