FREDONIA, NY – The Houghton Highlanders picked up some momentum heading into next week's conference tournament, scrapping out a gutsy three-set victory over the Fredonia Blue Devils on Saturday afternoon.
 
All three sets were decided by three points or less, as the two teams battled throughout the match.
 
Rebekah Clark matched her career-high with 26 digs, a feat she previously accomplished in a five-set match against Buffalo State on October 26, 2021.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 3 | Fredonia – 0
Records: Houghton: 9-13 (5-4 Empire 8) | Fredonia: 4-20 (2-7 SUNYAC)
Scores: 25-22, 26-24, 25-22
Venue: Dods Hall, SUNY Fredonia | Attendance: 78

NOTABLE STATS
>> Julie Immel, Alyssa Lyon and Ella Smith led the Houghton offensive attack, racking up nine, eight and seven kills apiece, respectively.  Lyon added 11 digs, while Smith picked up three service aces.
 
>> Haley Unverdorben collected 22 assists, finishing the regular season with 601, the third-highest season total of her career.  She currently has 2,778 career assists, fourth on the Highlander all-time leader board.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"This afternoon's win was a collective effort, outlasting a hungry opponent. Fredonia's deceptive season record doesn't reflect what an evenly matched team they are. Our seniors showed great leadership in this win and we are excited to show our appreciation to our home crowd Tuesday night!" – Interim Head Coach, Judy Fox
 
UP NEXT
Houghton finished the season ranked fourth in the Empire 8 standings and will host the number five seed, Medaille Mavericks, on Tuesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Nielsen Center.  The Mavericks defeated the Highlanders, 3-2, on October 19 in Buffalo.