HOUGHTON, NY – Haley Unverdorben eclipsed the 2,500 career assist mark as she guided the Houghton Highlanders to a three-set victory over the visiting Alfred Saxons.
 
After trailing early in the opening set, the Highlanders began to rally, and with Houghton trailing by a point, 8-7, Unverdorben ran a quick set to freshman middle, Emma Cole, who pounded home the milestone kill. 
 
Houghton would go on to win both of the first two sets by scores of 25-16, but Alfred would rally in the third. 
 
The Highlanders took a commanding lead early, and still led late in the set, 18-14, before the Saxons reeled off five straight points to go up one.  After trading points, Alfred eventually reached set point, 24-22.  But Unverdorben again found Cole for a kill, sending the seasoned setter to the service line, where she reeled off three straight points for a poetic victory finish to a record-setting night.   
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 3| Alfred – 0
Records: Houghton: 5-9 (2-1 Empire 8)| Alfred: 3-6 (0-1 Empire 8)
Scores: 25-16, 25-16, 26-24
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 154

NOTABLE STATS
>> Unverdorben finished her night with 35 assists—the most she has accumulated in any three-set match this season—giving her 2,531 for her career.  She also added 12 digs for her fifth double-double of the season.
 
>> Houghton pounded out 46 kills on the night, their highest three-set total of the season, while the Saxons collected 26 kills.
 
>> Cole and Ella Smith both notched 11 kills apiece, while Katie Naprawa added nine, and Julie Immel eight.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Tonight's win was meaningful on a number of levels. We overcame some of the elements that have haunted us at times. And of course, the entire team congratulates Haley for achieving such a milestone as 2500+ career assists.
 
We will enjoy this victory until midnight and then it's a new day, time to focus on Elmira. Come out tomorrow and help us honor our seniors!!" – Interim Head Coach, Judy Fox
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for another Empire 8 matchup with the Elmira Soaring Eagles.