ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Houghton fell in straight sets to rival Nazareth College in the opening match of Empire 8 conference play. While the Highlanders displayed some outstanding defensive play, they were unable to capitalize on some early mistakes by their opponent, or find a consistent offensive rhythm.
Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 0 | Nazareth – 3 (23-25, 20-25, 19-25)
Records: Houghton: 4-5 (0-1 Empire 8) | Nazareth: 9-3 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Nazareth College | Attendance: 217
Key Moments
>> The Golden Flyers shot out of the gate, opening up a 12-1 lead before the Highlanders found their bearings. Still down, 17-7 in the first set, Houghton slowly clawed back into contention before winning six straight points to tie the game, 22-22.
Nazareth, however, would win three of the next four points, sealing the first game on a kill by Melissa Newcomb.
>>In the second set, the Golden Flyers again came out swinging, opening up a 5-1 lead early, and extended that lead to 18-8 before a timeout set up three straight points for the Highlanders. While Houghton battled throughout, they were never able to overcome the early deficit, dropping the second set, 20-25.
>> Houghton opened an early 9-5 lead in the third and final set, but Nazareth rallied to tie the score, 11-11. The two teams seesawed over the next several minutes, with The Golden Flyers clinging to an 18-17 lead before rattling off eight of the next 10 points to take the set and the match.
Key Stats
>> Nazareth owned nearly every statistical category, edging the Highlanders in Hitting Percentage (22.4% to 9.2%), Blocks (six-to-two), and assists (47 to 29).
>>
Erica Barney led the Highlanders with 10 kills and added 13 digs, while
Rebekah White and
Ally Bittinger added 19 and 14 digs apiece, respectively.
>> Houghton setter
Anna Coryell collected 26 assists and 12 digs.
Coach's Corner
"I was encouraged to see improvements on defense, but we still have work to do on finishing out points. The highlight of the game for us was making that run in the first game to fight our way back into it." –Coach
Nancy Cole
Next Time Out
Houghton continues Empire 8 play this weekend as they travel to Oneonta for a tri-match with Alfred University and Hartwick College. Matches begin at 1:30pm and 4:00pm.
