CANTON, N.Y. – Following yesterday's season-opening split in the North Country Season Opener at St. Lawrence University, the Houghton Highlanders found their groove on Saturday, winning all six sets to improve to 3-1 on the season.
 
In the opening match Houghton defeated the Cazenovia Wildcats, 3-0, allowing only 35 total points.
 
The tournament finale would be a much tougher test for the Highlanders, as the Buffalo State Bengals took games one and three to the wire.  Houghton managed to pull out both games by scores of 26-24, maintaining their perfect day.
 
GAME VITALS
Game #1:
Score: Houghton – 3 | Cazenovia – 0
Records: Houghton: 2-1 | Cazenovia: 0-3
Scores: 25-10, 25-9, 25-16
Venue: Burkman Gymnasium, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY | Attendance: 50

Game #2:
Score: Houghton – 3 | Buffalo State – 0
Records: Houghton: 3-1 | Buffalo State: 1-2 
Scores: 26-24, 25-13, 26-24
Venue: Burkman Gymnasium, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY | Attendance: 50

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton racked up 55 kills over the two matches while allowing only 32 to their opponents
>> Naomi Prentice led the team with 13 kills and five blocks (two solo)
>> Anna Coryell picked up 46 assists (7.7/game)
>> Erica Barney collected nine kills, 17 digs and six aces
>> Ally Bittinger added 12 kills
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We had a great first game against Cazenovia.  We were able to try a couple of lineup alternatives and they really pulled together as a team to make it a strong win. 
 
"Against Buffalo State we struggled to mesh as a team in the first game.  However, they were able to make the necessary adjustments in the second two games and fight for the finish." –Coach Brianne Starks
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to action on Tuesday, when they travel to Hamburg, NY to take on the Hilbert Hawks.  In last year's meeting, Houghton defeated the Hawks, 3-1.