ALBANY, NY— It was a heartbreaking day for Houghton volleyball.
 
Needing a pair of wins to stay in contention for a spot at the post-season table, the Highlanders lost both of their matches in five sets, both by two points.
 
Out of the gates, Houghton looked like they would roll through the day, winning their first two sets against Elmira in dominant fashion, allowing only 30 total points.  The Soaring Eagles, however, quickly flipped the tables, winning the next two sets and forcing a deciding fifth game.
 
Elmira quickly jumped out to a 4-0 lead, but the Highlanders battled back into contention.  With the Soaring Eagles leading, 12-11, Houghton reeled off three straight points and held the serve on match-point.  But the Elmira would not go quietly, nailing three kills and capitalizing on a Houghton attack error to seal the victory.
 
Against Sage, the Highlanders and Gators traded sets, eventually forcing another deciding fifth set. 
 
Houghton again led late the set, holding a 13-11 advantage and the serve.  Sage, however, would utilize two kills and again capitalize on two costly Highlander attack errors to take the final set.
 
 
GAME VITALS
Game #1
Score: Houghton – 2 | Elmira – 3 
Records: Houghton: 11-16 (2-5 Empire 8) | Elmira: 18-10 (3-5 Empire 8)
Scores: (25-17, 25-13, 16-25, 18-25, 14-16)
Venue: Neff Athletic Center, Sage College | Attendance: 52


Game #2
Score: Houghton – 2 | Sage – 3 
Records: Houghton: 11-17 (2-6 Empire 8) | Sage: 8-20 (2-6 Empire 8) 
Scores: (25-27, 25-22, 19-25, 25-15, 13-15)
Venue: Neff Athletic Center, Sage College | Attendance: 78

NOTABLE STATS
>> Naomi Prentice racked up 39.5 points, including 31 kills and 9 blocks (4 solo).  Her career kill total now stands at 990, leaving her 10 shy of 1,000 heading into her final three matches.
>> Filling in for regular setter Anna Coryell (concussion), Ally Bittinger dished out 82 assists and collected seven kills and a team-high 41 digs.
>> Erica Barney posted 23.5 points, 23 kills and 37 digs, and Morgan Potempa had 35 digs and six aces.  Potempa currently tops the Empire 8 in total service aces and ranks second in aces per set (0.59).
>> Houghton is now 1-7 on the season in five-set matches.
 
COACH'S CORNER:
"We had to make a few adjustments without Anna [Coryell] this weekend.  Our seniors really stepped up on offense and led our team.  They really fought hard." –Coach Brianne Starks
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return home for their tournament next weekend.  Friday evening they play host to the SUNY Canton Roos at 7:00 p.m. in the Nielsen Center.