ALFRED, NY— After a grueling five-set match against the Alfred Saxons one week ago, the Houghton Highlanders swept the Saxons in straight sets to open the Alfred Tournament on Friday night.
 
The nightcap pitted the Highlanders against the Messiah Falcons in another rematch from earlier this season, a match the Falcons swept, 3-0.
 
Through the first two sets it looked as though Messiah would again take three straight from the Highlanders, but Houghton showed their mettle, battling back to win the next two sets in stunning fashion.
 
The third set, however, would swing back in favor of Messiah, leaving the Highlanders with a split on the first day of the tournament.
 
GAME VITALS
Game #1
Score: Houghton – 3 | Alfred – 0 
Records: Houghton: 10-12  | Alfred: 5-18
Scores: 25-18, 25-21, 25-23
Venue: Orvis Activities Center, Alfred State College | Attendance: 85

Game #2
Score: Houghton – 2 | Messiah – 3 
Records: Houghton: 10-13 | Messiah: 10-12  
Scores: (16-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 9-15)
Venue: Orvis Activities Center, Alfred State College | Attendance: 83

NOTABLE STATS
>> Naomi Prentice led the Highlanders with 23.5 points, including 17 kills and five blocks
>> Amber Edwards, who has turned up the volume as of late, posted 23 kills (and only three attack errors) and added two blocks
>> Anna Coryell collected 57 assists, six kills and 22 digs, including a team-high 20 digs against Messiah
>> Erica Barney added 14 kills 22 digs
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We had strong, consistent passing tonight that really contributed to a solid showing.  We proved our heart against Messiah; instead of giving up after the first two [games] [our players] were able to fight through it and take the next two.  I was really happy to see them fight hard against such a strong team and not give up." – Coach Brianne Starks
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders continue action in the Alfred Tournament tomorrow as they move across the street to Alfred University to take on Lycoming College at 12:00 p.m. and Lynchburg College at 2:00 p.m.