ALBANY, N.Y.-  Senior Laurie Call led the Highlanders with a season-high 15 points, but it was not enough as the Gators pushed past Houghton in Friday night women hoops, 75-61.
 
Houghton led the Gators 31-29 at the half, but a fourth-quarter surge by Sage controlled the fate of the Highlanders. The Highlanders were outscored 27-15 in the final minutes of the game giving the Gators a 69-49 lead with 4:53 minutes left on the clock. Houghton was able to cut that lead to eight points, but Sage's offense proved to be too much in the end.
 
Gators Kaitlyn Bowman, Emily Parslow, and Madasyn Bush collected 18 points on the night. Both Bowman and Bush added a double-double grabbing 11 and 10 boards respectively.
 
GAME VITALS                          
Score: Houghton - 61 | Sage - 75
Records: Houghton - 12-10, 8-5 Empire 8 | Sage – 16-6, 10-3 Empire 8
Venue: Kahl Gym, Albany, NY | Attendance: 210
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> Emily Swanson also tallied 13 points in Friday night's contest.
 
>> The Highlanders were out-rebounded by the Gators, 39-38.
 
>> Houghton's post play shined with scoring 42 points in the paint versus the Gator's 26.

COACH'S CORNER
"We struggled shooting from behind the arc tonight as well as putting Sage to the line too many times."
 
"You need to give Sage some credit, they came up big tonight in the fourth quarter shooting 100% from behind the arc and 60% from the floor."
 
"Tonight, was a disappointing loss for sure, but we will bounce back and regroup for our game against Stevens tomorrow."
 
- Coach Alicia Mucher

UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Stevens on Saturday, February 10^th for a  5:00 PM tip-off.