HOUGHTON, NY – Much like the last time they met, the St. John Fisher Cardinals and the Houghton Highlanders entered tonight's volleyball matchup as the last two teams in the Empire 8 without a loss. 
 
And much like their last meeting, the Cardinals came out on top, making relatively quick work of the Highlanders in a three-set match that lasted just over an hour.
 
Fisher showed off a powerful offensive game, collecting 35 kills, while committing only 12 errors.  While the Highlanders defense showed flashes of brilliance, posting 42 digs, the offense never gained traction.
 
Houghton battled back from a 19-12 deficit in the first set to pull within two points before the Cardinals pulled away for good.
 
The second set looked familiar, as Houghton trailed 17-14 late in the game before Fisher reeled off five straight points and never looked back.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 0 | St. John Fisher – 3
Records: Houghton: 3-2 (3-1 Empire 8) | St. John Fisher: 7-0 (5-0 Empire 8)
Scores: 19-25, 17-25, 13-25
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 0

NOTABLE STATS
>> Haley Unverdorben posted 12 assists, 11 digs and three kills for the Highlanders, while teammates Jenna Bittinger and Brooke Decker six kills apiece.  Bittinger also added eight digs.
 
>> Alea Steigerwald led the Cardinals offensively and defensively, collecting 13 kills and 10 digs, both team-highs.  Katie Leaty dished out 25 assists and Gracie Jacob added 11 kills.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Rochester tomorrow, Thursday, April 15, to take on the Nazareth College Golden Flyers at 7:00 p.m.