HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- The Highlanders bounced back from a 2-1 deficit to claim a 3-2 win over Nazareth College in the Empire 8 volleyball opener Wednesday night.

"This was a huge conference win for us tonight," said Head Coach Nancy Cole. "We had some big plays in the fourth set combined with lots of energy that turned the momentum. The girls' steady play from that point on was key to finishing the match. We have been waiting for that win for four years."

The Golden Flyers were in control for most of set one, claiming a 25-19 win. Houghton responded to take the second set in a hard-fought battle, 25-21. Nazareth looked to have things in control after a 25-17 win in the third set, but Houghton would not fold and found second life thanks to a raucous home crowd. The Highlanders battled to the wire to claim a 25-20 win in game four before closing the match with a 15-11 win in the decisive set.

Anna Coryell (Phelps, NY, Midlakes) had a triple double with 10 kills, 15 digs and 33 assists. Erica Barney (Vestal, NY, Vestal) finished with 14 kills and 11 digs, Hattie Burgher (Selkirk, NY, Loudonville Christian) added 11 kills and 18 digs, and Kayla Bernard (Aubrey, TX, Cisco CC) finished contributed strong defensively play with 29 digs.

Houghton (8-6, 1-0 E8) returns to action against Ithaca and Utica in a tri-match at Utica College on Saturday.