ALBANY, N.Y. – Julius Klohr scored 5:13 into overtime to give Houghton a 1-0 win over the Russell Sage Gators in the season finale on Sunday afternoon.
The win gives the Highlanders a share of the Empire 8 regular season title, their first since joining the conference in 2014. Houghton and St. John Fisher each finished with a 4-1 conference record, but the Cardinals clinched the top seed in next week's E8 Tournament based on their head-to-head win over the Highlanders during the regular season. Houghton will be the No. 2 seed in the tournament.
The game against Sage was evenly played throughout, with shots even at 13 apiece, and both teams played hard knowing that the regular season title and a first round playoff bye was at stake.
Each team had their chances near the end of regulation as Sage had a shot on goal to the left of the Highlander keeper Caleb Loew, but Jonah Ewing came up with the block to save a sure goal with six minutes left in the match. Houghton responded with their own attempt in regulation as Elijah Steffen had a blistering shot to the right of the Gators' wall only to be saved by the Sage keeper with less than two minutes in regulation.
The Highlanders had the only two shots of the extra session, with the second proving to be the decider. Klohr capitalized on a scramble in front of the net after a cross from Andy Loomis and converted past the Gators keeper.
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton - 1 | Sage - 0 OT
Records: Houghton: 5-1-0 (4-1-0 E8) | Sage: 3-2-0 (3-2-0 E8)
Venue: ACP Stadium | Albany, N.Y. | Attendance: 150
SCORING SUMMARY
NOTABLE STATS
>> Klohr leads the Highlanders with four goals on the season
>> Klohr led the team with four shots, all on goal
>> Shots were 13-13, with the Highlanders holding an 8-7 in shots on goal
>>
Caleb Loew registered seven saves to get his fourth win of the season, all coming via shutout
>> The win was Houghton's first over Sage since the Gators joined the E8 in 2017
>> Houghton will participate in its third E8 Tournament (2015, 2016)
COACH'S CORNER
"Today was another big moment for this team. The guys knew they were playing for a share of the regular season championship and a chance to host in post season and they handled the pressure well. They had to dig deep and be patient against a tough Sage team and it was great to see them pull out the win. It's been a really positive season so far and everyone is looking forward to experiencing post season play," -- Head Coach
Bobby McColl
UP NEXT
As the No. 2 seed in the E8 Tournament, Houghton will get a first round bye. They will host the winner of the No. 3 Sage and No. 6 Alfred matchup on Friday, April 16.
See the
E8 Tournament announcement.
