PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher Cardinals displayed who they are the three-time defending Empire 8 champions, defeating the visiting Houghton Highlanders in straight sets on Friday night.
 
The Highlanders battled back from an early 9-0 deficit in the opening set, eventually pulling within three points, 18-21, on an ace from Alyssa Lyon.  The Cardinals, however, would take four of the next five points to take a 1-0 lead.
 
The second set would bring more of the same, with Fisher opening up a commanding lead early, only to see Houghton battle back to within a point late, 17-18.  Once again, though, the Cardinals would command the closing points to go up, 2-0.
 
Set number three would be all Fisher, as they posted a .412 attack percentage and held Houghton to only three kills in the set, taking the finale, 25-9.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 0| St. John Fisher – 3
Records: Houghton:  6-11 (3-2 Empire 8) | St. John Fisher: 10-4 (5-0 Empire 8)
Scores: 19-25, 20-25, 9-25
Venue: Bobby Wanzer Court, St. John Fisher College | Attendance: 0

NOTABLE STATS
>> Fisher collected 36 kills and 34 digs, while Houghton posted 23 kills and 29 digs.  The greatest disparity, however, was in service aces, which Fisher won, 20-5.
 
>> Haley Unverdorben recorded 16 assists and six digs, while Alyssa Lyon notched 10 digs for the Highlanders.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Tonight Fisher showed why they are such a tough opponent. They controlled the tempo, and [kept] us from getting into our rhythm. All credit to them.
 
"We will learn and apply this quick turnaround, and come out to fight another day tomorrow. I am continually proud of the fight in the heart of our team." – Interim Head Coach, Judy Fox
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will remain in Pittsford tomorrow, just a mile down the road, to take on the Nazareth Golden Flyers at 1:00 p.m.