WASHINGTON, PA – The Washington & Jefferson Presidents ended the Houghton Highlanders season on Friday afternoon, 3-0, in the Empire 8 conference tournament semifinal.
 
Rachel Buyan scored the first two goals and added an assist on the third, as the top-seeded Presidents advanced to the finals.  They will face Utica, who defeated second-seeded St. John Fisher, 2-0, in the other semifinal. 
 
Buyan gave W & J the lead in the 23^rd minute when she received a pass from Reghan Dunn, took one touch inside the circle and fired her shot past Houghton keeper Elizabeth Piszker.
 
The Presidents struck again just over five minutes into the second half when Buyan played a penalty corner to the top of the circle then quickly received a pass and slapped the ball home.
 
While Houghton battled hard throughout the second half, outshooting the Presidents, 6-5, they could not find the back of the net against a stingy W & J defense that earned their eighth shutout of the season.
 
The semifinal marked the first time the Highlanders have played in an official post-season playoff game in the program's 43-year history.
 
Houghton will graduate nine seniors but return many key pieces to this year's playoff team, including three of their top four scorers, Caitlin Jennings, Tanya Hatton and Nicole Jennings.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 0 | W & J – 3
Records: Houghton: 10-8 | W & J: 12-4
Venue: Cameron Stadium, Washington & Jefferson College| Attendance: 241

SCORING SUMMARY

Time	Team	Description
22:10	W&J	Rachel Buyan (10); Assist: Reghan Dunn
40:10	W&J	Rachel Buyan (11); Assist: Claire Shaak
67:15	W&J	Michelle Yamamori (3); Assist: Rachel Buyan

 
 
ADDITIONAL STATS
>> The Presidents outshot the Highlanders, 16-6, including an 11-0 advantage in the first half.  Houghton did have more shots than their opponent in the second half, 6-5, despite giving up two goals.
>> Houghton senior goalkeeper Elizabeth Piszker made six saves and Caitlin Jennings managed four of the team's six shots.