BUFFALO, NY— For the first time in 30 years the Houghton Highlanders women's basketball team is 7-0, picking up a road win over the Medaille Mavericks on Saturday afternoon, 56-42, to open Empire 8 conference play.
 
Freshmen Crysta Lacrosse (18 points) and Emma Cole (17 points) combined to score 35 points to lead the Highlanders.
 
Most of Houghton's damage occurred in the first half, as the Highlanders opened up a 13-7 lead after the first quarter, then opened the gates in the second, outscoring the Mavericks over the second 10 minutes, 21-10.  At the half Houghton led, 34-17.
 
While Medaille outscored the Highlanders in the second half, 25-22, the Mavericks never came closer than a nine-point differential, which they accomplished with just under three minutes remaining in the game.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 56 | Medaille – 42
Records: Houghton: 7-0 (1-0 Empire 8) | Medaille: 2-3 (0-1 Empire 8)  
Venue: The Kevin I. Sullivan Center, Buffalo, NY | Attendance: 60

NOTABLE STATS
>> Cole's 17 points are a new career high.  She has posted double-digit points in four of her first seven collegiate games and is currently averaging 11.4 points per game, which ranks second on the team.
 
>> Lacrosse matched her career high point total, a feat she accomplished on November 22 against Alfred State, going 6-for-10 from the floor and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.  She has topped double-digits three times so far this season and is currently averaging 10.4 points per game, third best on the team. 
 
>> Once again Houghton dominated the boards, particularly on the offensive end.  The Highlanders out-rebounded the Mavericks, 49-37, and 17-6 on the offensive glass.  Houghton maintained advantages in:

• Second-chance points, 16-2
• Points off turnovers, 16-4; and
• Bench points, 24-0.

COACH'S CORNER
"I'm very proud of our [team].  [They were] locked in from the second we got off the bus.  Today was the first time I thought we competed for the full 40 minutes.
 
"Everyone wearing purple came in with the same intentions and played for the person standing next to them.
 
"We have a very challenging test coming up against a very well-coached Alfred team.  We will make sure we are ready to go for another road challenge [next Wednesday]." – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Alfred University on Wednesday, December 7 to take on the Saxons in another Empire 8 clash at 5:30 p.m.  Since joining the Empire 8 the Highlanders have won 11 of 19 matchups with the Saxons, but have lost their last two meetings, and three of their last four.