PITTSBURGH, PA – The Houghton Highlanders volleyball team rolled through two straight matches on the opening day of the La Roche University tournament, defeating the Clarks Summit Defenders and the Chatam Cougars in straight sets.
 
After a close first set in the opening match, Houghton capitalized on 14 service aces, including six by sophomore setter Haley Unverdorben.
 
In the second match, the Cougars cut the score to 18-19 before a Jenna Bittinger kill led to three straight points to give Houghton a much-needed cushion. 
 
The Highlanders fell behind in the second set before finding their stride, then ran into some trouble in the third. With Houghton up by nine late in the match, the Cougars rallied to within two points before the Highlanders finally put away the set and the match.
 
GAME VITALS
Game #1:
Score: Houghton – 3 | Clarks Summit – 0
Records: Houghton: 2-0 | Clarks Summit: 2-3
Scores: 25-20, 25-12, 25-10
Venue: Coach Scott Lang Court, La Roche University | Attendance: 125


Game #2:
Score: Houghton – 3 | Chatam – 0
Records: Houghton: 3-0 | Chatam: 1-3  
Scores: 25-20, 25-15, 25-22
Venue: Coach Scott Lang Court, La Roche University | Attendance: 125

NOTABLE STATS
>> Amy Huddell and Ally Bittinger led the Highlanders with 11 total kills apiece.  Bittinger also added a team-best 17 digs.
 
>> Unverdorben finished with 33 total assists.
 
>> Houghton outhit their opponents, racking up 17 more kills than their opponents.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"In the first match the girls really came to play from the start.  We controlled the tempo with our ball control, which was fun to see.  We served aggressively, which allowed us to maintain control.  All of our girls had a strong match.
 
"Chatam was a strong team that really came to play.  It took us a bit of time to get rolling, but once we got back to attacking-volleyball we did well.
 
"The third set we got behind mid-way through, but our players dug deep and battled through to their second 3-0 win of the day!" –Head Coach Josh Tompkins
 
UP NEXT
Houghton returns to Coach Scott Lang Court at La Roche University tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. when they will challenge the host Redhawks.  They will cap their tournament at 1:00 p.m. against the Franciscan University Barons.