ALFRED, NY— With 3:30 remaining in the first quarter it looked like the Alfred State Pioneers would run away with a victory over the Houghton Highlanders.  Rayanna Anderson's three-pointer put the Pioneers up 17-3 and the Highlanders wheels appeared to be spinning. 
 
From that point on Houghton outscored Alfred State 64-34, defeating the Pioneers, 67-51, for the Highlanders first win of the season.
 
Five Highlanders posted double-digit scoring figures, including Emie Taylor, who recorded her third double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Brooke Lewandowski, who also scored 13 points and came within one rebound of her own double-double.
 
After falling behind by 14, Houghton slowly began to chip away, cutting the deficit to eight by the end of the first quarter and six at the half.
 
In the third, Houghton outscored the Pioneers 17-12, cutting the Alfred State lead to a single point.
 
Then the Highlanders exploded.
 
Caitlyn Cybart completed a three-point play to start the final quarter, giving Houghton the lead.  Moments later, Alfred State's Jordyn Pettit hit a jumper to trim the Houghton lead to three points, but from that point on the Highlanders would outscore the Pioneers 13-0 to seal an incredible comeback and the victory.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 67 | Alfred State – 51
Records: Houghton: 1-4 | Alfred State: 1-1   
Venue: Orvis Activities Center, Alfred State College | Attendance: 143

NOTABLE STATS
>> After shooting only 19.5% in the first quarter, Houghton shot 50% from the floor in the third, and 60% in the fourth.
 
>> Houghton out-rebounded Alfred State, 51-40.
 
>> Caitlyn Cybart scored a career-high 12 points while her sister, Hannah Cybart, chipped in 11 points and three assists.  Cori Beck added 10 points and three assists for the Highlanders.
 
>> Lewandowski and Taylor also combined for five blocks and four steals on the night.
 
>> Pettit led the Pioneers with 13 points and nine rebounds.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We had to dig out of a very deep hole early on, for sure.  We took one possession at a time and got some much needed defensive stops in the second quarter.  we were also much more patient on the offensive end of the floor.  We had great looks and unselfish play, making the extra pass.

"We showed a ton of grit and relentless passion in the second half.  Having five players in double-figures clearly showed our effort as a group.  

"I'm thrilled about the focus and determination [our team showed tonight].  We made some great strides today as a team that will benefit us in the future." - Head Coach Alicia Mucher

UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Southwestern Pennsylvania this weekend, taking on Waynesburg University on Friday at 7:00 p.m. before heading to Grove City College on Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. game.