HOUGHTON, N.Y. – After cruising to a 25-14 win in the opening set, the Highlanders saw the Alfred State Pioneers steady themselves and battle to take the next three games for the match.

Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 1 | Alfred State – 3 (25-14, 22-25, 16-25, 22-25)
Records: Houghton: 1-1 | Alfred State: 4-0
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton, NY | Attendance: 117

Key Moments
>> The Highlanders opened up a 5-2 lead in the second game, and led 16-12 heading into the stretch, but the Pioneers took four straight points and nine of the next 11 on their way to the 25-22 victory.
>> In the fourth set both teams looked evenly matched, with neither side gaining more than a three-point lead.  With the Pioneers leading 22-20, Erica Barney hit what looked like a game-changing kill, but a service error put Alfred State back in control, finishing the set and the match.

Key Stats
>> Naomi Prentice racked up 13 kills and four blocks for the Highlanders, and Erica Barney added 10 kills and nine digs.
>> Rebekah White led the team with 14 digs, and Anna Coryell dished out 28 assists.
>> Jessica Padley led the Pioneers with 10 kills and 11 digs.

Coach's Corner
"While it's disappointing to lose, we'll take away some promising things from tonight's match.  Alfred State was a solid team and we didn't roll over.  We kept fighting to the end.  It was also good to see Naomi and Erica lead the way, offensively, for our team." – Coach Nancy Cole

Next Time Out
The Highlanders head to Aurora, NY this weekend for the Wells Invitational Tournament.  They will take on Wells College on Friday at 6:00pm, before facing off against the University of Maine-Fort Kent on Saturday at 11:00am and Summit University at 1:00pm.