BUFFALO, NY – After pulling out a two-point first set victory, the Houghton Highlanders could not hold back the Buffalo State Bengals, who won the next three sets and the match, 3-1, snapping a three-game Houghton win streak.
 
In the final set, it looked like the Highlanders might regain the momentum and force a pivotal fifth set.  After reeling off five straight points, Houghton led, 17-14, but the Bengals battled back to tie the game, and the two teams would trade points until Buffalo State eventually went up, 23-20.
 
Back-to-back kills by Emma Cole and Alyssa Lyon would pull Houghton back within a point with the serve, but back-to-back kills by the Bengals sealed the match.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 1 | Buffalo State – 3
Records: Houghton: 6-10 (2-1 Empire 8) | Buffalo State: 8-6 (1-2 SUNYAC)
Scores:  25-23, 18-25, 11-25, 22-25
Venue: Buffalo Sports Arena, Buffalo, NY| Attendance: 50

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Bengals held significant advantages in both blocks (8-0) and service aces (14-6), while also leading in kills (43-37).
 
>> Haley Unverdorben earned her sixth double-double of the season, collecting 29 assists and 13 digs.
 
>> Rebekah Clark posted a season-high 24 digs to lead the Highlanders defense.  One year ago, Clark posted her career high, 26 digs, also against Buffalo State.
 
>> Lyon and Julie Immel tied for the team lead with 11 kills apiece.  Lyon also posted a season-best .375 attack percentage.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"While taking [a loss] definitely hurts, what I witnessed tonight was a show of heart and a fight in this team that would not die.  The match was hard and well-fought from beginning to end, every point, by both sides. I've never been believed more in this team and our potential as we go into the heart of conference competition." – Interim Head Coach, Judy Fox
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders resume Empire 8 conference play on Friday in Rochester, when they will take on the St. John Fisher Cardinals at 7:00 p.m.