HOUGHTON, NY— After a grueling ten-set day, the Houghton Highlanders fell six point shy of sweeping Saturday's Empire 8 tri-match against Alfred University and Hartwick College.
 
While the Highlanders took sets one and three from the Saxons by a combined score of 50-32, Alfred pulled out wins in the second and fourth sets, forcing the deciding game.
 
The game battled back and forth throughout.  With the Highlanders clinging to a narrow 13-12 lead, Amy Huddell slammed home a kill and Erica Barney finished the match with an ace.
 
After winning the first two games in dominant fashion, it looked like the Hartwick Hawks would finish off the Highlanders quickly.  Houghton, however, would not go quietly.
 
The Highlanders battled back, winning the next two games, and looked to have the momentum entering the third after winning the fourth set, 25-13.
 
In the rubber match, the Hawks jumped out to a commanding 10-4 lead before the Highlanders won the next four points.  Hartwick then took control, taking advantage of several Houghton errors to win five of the next six points and the match.
 
GAME VITALS
Game #1
Score: Houghton – 3 | Alfred – 2 
Records: Houghton: 9-10 (2-2 Empire 8) | Alfred: 4-15 (2-3 Empire 8)
Scores: 25-19, 20-25, 25-13, 23-25, 15-12
Venue: Terry S. Galanis Family Arena, Alfred University | Attendance: 66


Game #2
Score: Houghton – 2 | Hartwick – 3 
Records: Houghton: 9-11 (2-3 Empire 8) | Hartwick: 10-8 (4-1 Empire 8)
Scores: 12-25, 16-25, 25-18, 25-13, 9-15
Venue: Terry S. Galanis Family Arena, Alfred University | Attendance: 48

NOTABLE STATS
>> Naomi Prentice led the Highlanders with 29 points on the day, including 23 kills and six blocks
>> In her first games as the primary setter, Ally Bittinger racked up 70 assists
>> Morgan Potempa posted nine service aces and 35 digs, and Erica Barney added 17 kills and 27 digs
>> Junior transfer Amber Edwards had perhaps her best match of the season against Hartwick, slamming home a season-high 16 kills.  She also collected nine kills against Alfred for a total of 25 on the day.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We had to make a few adjustments with Anna [Coryell] out injured for the weekend.  I'm really happy with the way that the team stepped up and adjusted to new roles on the court.
 
"We played two hard-fought games and it was good to see [our players] work so hard together." –Coach Brianne Starks
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return home on Tuesday for a non-conference matchup with the SUNY Fredonia Blue Devils at 7:00 p.m. in the Nielsen Center.