BRADFORD, PA—For the third time in the past five games the Highlanders women's soccer team (4-2) held their opponent scoreless, keying a 2-0 victory over the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Panthers (1-4). 
 
While the Highlanders controlled the pace of play for much of the first half, the Panther defense held them in check through the first 14 minutes, with neither team registering a single shot.  Then the opportunities started to come, slow at first, then in bunches.
 
In the 40^th minute a cross from senior Darlene Eckhardt (Eden, NY, Eden) found freshman Brielle Kwarta (Pittsford, NY, Pittsford Sutherland), who headed home her second goal of the year to give the Highlanders the lead.
 
In the second half, Houghton would continue to press into the offensive third, outshooting the Panthers 10-3 before forward Nikki Garns (Chambersburg, PA, Greencastle-Antrim) broke free from her defender down the middle of the field, sliding the ball past the keeper to add some insurance for the Highlanders.
 
Senior Shawna Sprout (Portville, NY, Portville Central) earned her third shutout of the season, stopping four shots on the day.
 
Houghton would outshoot their opponent 20-4 on the day, and held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.
 
The Highlanders travel to Hoboken, NJ for their first Empire 8 matchup of the season this Saturday when they will take on the Ducks of Stevens Institute of Technology at 1:00 PM.