ALFRED, NY – One week after Houghton defeated Alfred State, the Pioneers avenged the loss by defeating the Highlanders at home, 3-1.
 
The Pioneers cruised through the first set, 25-15, but Houghton rallied the take the second set, 25-22, behind a match-high 16 kills.
 
In the crucial third set, the two teams traded points throughout, before the Pioneers pulled out a 25-22 win after Houghton committed two critical attack errors to end the set.
 
With the momentum in their favor, Alfred State built a sizable, 23-15, advantage in the final set.  Houghton rallied for five straight points, but it was too little, too late, and the Pioneers took the final two points on a pair of Houghton errors.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 1 | Alfred State – 3
Records: Houghton: 2-5 | Alfred State: 5-3
Scores: 15-25, 25-22, 22-25, 20-25
Venue: Orvis Activities Center, Alfred State College | Attendance: 156

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Highlanders held a one-kill advantage, outhitting the Pioneers, 50-to-49, but Houghton committed 26 attack errors, while Alfred State committed only 13.
 
>> Alfred State picked up 13 service aces to the Highlanders' eight.
 
>> Haley Unverdorben dished out a season-high 41 assists and collected 14 digs for her second double-double of the season.
 
>> Julie Immel posted a team-best 13 kills, while Alyssa Lyon earned her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 15 digs.  Katie Naprawa added 10 kills, the second time this season she has reached double-digits.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We battled with a more consistent and sustained intensity than we've reached so far this season. Alfred State outlasted us and took advantage of too many self-inflicted errors.
 
"Haley showed her leadership with incredible set selections and Julie led us with 13 kills, followed by Alyssa and Katie with 10 apiece. It was a disappointing loss but it will prove to be a night that pays off in the long-run." – Interim Head Coach Judy Fox
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania this Saturday, where they will take on Franklin & Marshall College at 1:00 p.m., then challenge the host, Messiah University, at 3:00 p.m.