HOUGHTON, NY – In a game with playoff implications on the line, the Houghton Highlanders turned in perhaps their best performance of the year, defeating the visiting Utica Pioneers in straight sets, 3-0.
 
After trading points through the midway point of the first set, Utica held a slim, 14-13, advantage.  But back-to-back kills by Emma Cole and Ella Smith kicked off an offensive barrage by the Highlanders, who reeled off 12 of the next 13 points to win the first set, 25-15.
 
The Pioneers came out strong in the second set, separating early, and eventually leading 15-7.  Houghton, however, refused to quit, as Cole again jump-started the Highlanders with three straight kills and a solo block.  Houghton eventually tied the game, 22-22, before kills by Smith and Alyssa Lyon, followed by a Utica attack error put the Highlanders up, 2-0.
 
In the final set, Houghton sprinted out to a 10-3 lead.  Utica slowly closed the gap, but Smith reeled off six straight service points to give the Highlanders a double-digit lead, which they would not relinquish, eventually winning the set, 25-13, capped by kill from Julie Immel.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 3 | Utica – 0
Records: Houghton: 7-12 (4-3 Empire 8) | Utica: 13-8 (3-3 Empire 8)
Scores: 25-15, 25-22, 25-13
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 154

NOTABLE STATS
>> Haley Unverdorben dished out 39 assists, her second-highest total of the season, and collected 10 digs for her eighth double-double of the season.  She currently ranks second in the Empire 8 with 7.96 assists per set.
 
>> Cole led the Highlanders with a career-high 13 kills on an impressive .435 attack percentage, while also adding three blocks.
 
>> Immel also reached double-digit kills (10), while Alyssa Lyon posted eight kills with a .467 attack percentage
 
>> Rebekah Clark came within one dig of tying her season-high, collecting 23 digs on the night, her most in any three-set match this season.  She currently ranks second in the Empire 8 with 3.87 digs per set.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Every person on this roster made the team better all week and contributed to this important win. 
 
"Haley was tremendously acute in her set distribution. Her effectiveness in spreading the offense reflects on our defensive effort (led by Rebekah Clark), and the success of our serve-receive and serving game. 
 
"Alyssa Lyon and Emma Cole had dominant hitting percentages while Emma and Julie Immel led our attack with 13 and 10 kills, respectively. 
 
"This was without a doubt our most complete game of the season and I'm impressed with this team's determination to push toward post-season together.  Lastly, we could not be more appreciative of the energy of the crowd who came out to support tonight!  Thank you, All!" – Interim Head Coach, Judy Fox
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center tomorrow afternoon to take on the Keuka College Wolves at 1:00 p.m.