ALFRED, NY – The Houghton Highlanders clinched a spot in the Empire 8 conference tournament,  defeating cross-county rival Alfred University in straight sets.
 
Amy Huddell led the Highlanders attack, posting 12 kills and a .611 attack percentage.  Houghton hit an impressive .294 as a team, committing only 10 errors while posting 34 kills.
 
With tonight's three-set victory, the Highlanders have now won their last nine sets, and 10 of their last 11 matches.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 3 | Alfred – 0
Records: Houghton: 17-4 (4-1 Empire 8) | Alfred: 6-18 (0-5 Empire 8)
Scores: 25-16, 25-18, 25-17
Venue: Terry S. Galanis Family Arena, Alfred University | Attendance: 225

NOTABLE STATS
>> Ally Bittinger led the Houghton defense with 17 digs.  Setter Haley Unverdorben posted 24 assists and seven digs.
 
>> Amber Smith collected 15 kills and eight digs for the Saxons.
 
>> If the Highlanders defeat Sage on Friday, and St. John Fisher defeats Elmira, Houghton would clinch second place in the conference.
 
UP NEXT
Houghton returns to the Nielsen Center this weekend for their final two regular-season conference matchups.  The Highlanders will host Sage Colleges on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Utica College on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.