ALFRED, N.Y. – The Houghton Highlanders righted the ship on Tuesday night, ended a six-game losing skid with a victory over the Alfred State Pioneers, 3-1.
 
After cruising to a 25-13 win in the first set, the two teams battled through a grueling second game—the  longest of the season for either team—which the Pioneers eventually pulled out, 29-27.
 
Houghton, however, would rebound in the third; utilizing a well-rounded attack to take the next two sets.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton –3| Alfred State – 1
Records: Houghton: 6-7 | Alfred State: 3-5 
Scores: 25-13, 29-27, 25-11, 25-17
Venue: Orvis Activities Center, Alfred State College | Attendance: 137

NOTABLE STATS
>> Erica Barney picked up 16 digs on the night, leaving her only two shy of 1,000 for her career.
>> Naomi Prentice led the team with 12 kills, and Ally Bittinger added nine more.
>> Anna Coryell dished out 35 assists and added 10 digs and three kills.
>> Bryanna Godfrey led the Pioneers with 10 kills, and Madison Webster chipped in 26 digs.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We had a really solid start to our first game and implemented a number of things we'd worked on in practice.  We struggled a little in the second game but were able to quickly pull ourselves back and make the necessary fixes.
 
"Anna did a great job distributing the ball.  We were able to spread our offense around and four of our players had at least eight kills." –Coach Brianne Starks
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders host their first Empire 8 tri-match of the season on Saturday, September 23, challenging Stevens Tech at 11:00 a.m. and Utica at 4:00 p.m.