HOUGHTON, N.Y.— Regardless of the neck and neck competition put forth by the Highlanders in the latter part of Saturday afternoon's game against the Pioneers of Utica College, their slow offensive start in the first period contributed greatly to the 56-40 loss.

After a 7-6 Utica run-lead, the Pioneers continued their momentum by scoring 10 points nearly consecutively, with a minor interruption by a layup from Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian).

With 6:25 remaining in the first half, Hannah Manwaring (Barton, NY, Tioga Central HS) came up with a 3-pointer in hopes to put Houghton back on track. Unfortunately, Utica would be the only team to score in the remainder of the game. After 14 consecutive points, the Pioneers would close out the half 31-11.

The second half opened with the two teams going nearly point for point in the 11-10 run. Down by 21 points with 12 minutes remaining in the game, the Highlanders went on a 5-point rally, closing the gap. Utica managed to continue inching forward, scoring 8 points consecutively in a matter of 90 seconds. With 5:07 left in the game, Houghton scored an addition 14 points. Regardless of their efforts, the Pioneers continued to match them. As a result, the Highlanders dropped the game, giving Utica the 56-40 victory.

Manwaring earned 10 points and 2 steals on the night, followed by Pipher with 8 points and 2 steals of her own.

The Highlanders will play their last game of the season on Tuesday (2/17) at home against Elmira College with a start time of 6:00 p.m.