HOUGHTON, NY – The Houghton Highlanders turned in a dominant performance on Senior Day, rolling to their third straight win, and fourth in the past five matches, defeating the Elmira Soaring Eagles in straight sets.
 
The Highlanders honored five seniors, including libero Rebekah Clark, who anchored a stellar Houghton defense, collecting a season-high 19 of Houghton's 53 digs.
 
Houghton did not trail for a single point throughout the first two sets, and then only for the first point of the third set.  The Highlanders closed out the match by winning the final five points.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 3 | Elmira – 0
Records: Houghton: 6-9 (3-1 Empire 8) | Elmira: 5-12 (0-2 Empire 8)
Scores: 25-10, 25-17, 25-14
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 136

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton hit an efficient .272, collecting 36 kills on 96 attack opportunities.  Their performance in the first and third sets was even more impressive, as they hit .379 (14 kills) in the first, and .391 (10 kills) in the third.
 
>> Julie Immel paced the offensive attack, collecting nine kills with only two attack errors, including six kills in the first set alone.  Katie Naprawa followed suit with seven kills and only one error.
 
>> Haley Unverdorben, one night after surpassing 2,500 career assists, dished out 23 more, giving her a total of 2,554 for her career.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"This game was a perfect climax to a great week. Most importantly, today we gave our seniors a victory worthy of the greatness, leadership, friendship, and encouragement they have imparted all season. 
 
"As their head coach I cannot possibly put into words how appreciative I am or the depth of love I hold for Rebekah Clark, Bekah Fenn, Alyssa Lyon, Adeline Roeske, and Haley Unverdorben. They each uniquely represent the very best of Houghton University." – Interim Head Coach, Judy Fox
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Buffalo on Tuesday for a non-conference matchup with the Buffalo State Bengals at 7:00 p.m.  The Highlanders are 6-5 against the Bengals since joining the NCAA, but have lost the last two meetings.