HOUGHTON, NY – With their playoff destiny already secured, the Houghton Highlanders wrapped up regular season conference play with a 3-0 victory over the Utica Pioneers on Saturday.
 
After rolling through the first set, 25-10, Houghton trailed late in the second set, 23-20.  As they have done all season long, with their backs against the wall, the Highlanders found a way to steal victory from the jaws of defeat. 
 
Following a kill by Amy Huddell, Jaimee Glendenning served four straight points to put Houghton up, 2-0.
 
The Pioneers continued to battle, again leading late, 22-21, with control of the service.  Once again, Huddell slammed home a big kill, and Brooke Lewandowski put an exclamation point on the match with three straight authoritative kills.
 
With the win, Houghton stretched their win streak five matches.  They have also won 12 of their last 13.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 3|Utica – 0
Records: Houghton: 19-4 (6-1 Empire 8) | Utica: 2-24 (0-7 Empire 8)
Scores: 25-10, 25-23, 25-22
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 91

NOTABLE STATS
>> Lewandowski finished with nine kills to lead the Highlander attack.  Amy Huddell added seven kills, and Jenna Bittinger posted seven kills, 10 digs and two aces.
 
>> Houghton setter Haley Unverdorben dished out 28 assists while adding seven digs and four kills.  Morgan Potempa collected a match-high five aces.
 
>> For the Pioneers, Meaghan Romaguera picked up five kills, five aces and four digs.
 
>> Houghton has won 19 matches this season.  If they win their final match against Alfred State, they will tie their highest win total, set in 2013 and 2015, since joining the NCAA. 
 
>> The Highlanders also stretched their set-unbeaten streak to 15.  They have won 10 matches in straight sets this season.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders conclude regular season play next Friday at 7:00 p.m. when they welcome the Alfred State Pioneers for a non-conference match at the Nielsen Center.