HOUGHTON, NY – The Houghton Highlanders picked up their second win in as many nights, defeating cross-county rival Alfred State in a non-conference matchup, 3-0. 
 
While the Highlanders' offensive attack did not stack up to the previous night's performance, Houghton's service and defensive game proved in prime shape. 
 
Ella Smith (seven aces) and Haley Unverdorben (four aces) led a 17 ace performance from behind the service line.  Meanwhile, Allysa Lyon (16 digs) and Rebekah Clark (15 digs) led the Highlanders to a season-high 54 digs.
 
After the Pioneers jumped out a 1-0 lead in the first set, Houghton tied the game and never trailed again, cruising to a 25-20 victory.  Alfred State, however, battled back in the second, giving the Highlanders a scare as the set went down to the wire before Houghton pulled out another game to go up, 2-0.
 
The Highlanders looked to run away with the final set, jumping out to a 22-10 lead, but the Pioneers rallied to make a game of it before Houghton eventually pulled out a 25-17 win.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 3 | Alfred State – 0
Records: Houghton: 2-3 | Alfred State: 2-2
Scores: 25-20, 26-24, 25-17
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 162

NOTABLE STATS
>> Smith racked up eight kills, while a trio of Highlanders (Lyon, Emma Cole and Julie Immel) collected seven kills apiece.
 
>> Haley Unverdorben dished out 26 assists, while adding 11 digs and four kills.
 
>> Houghton improved to 6-2 at home against Alfred State, including three wins in their last three matchups in the Nielsen Center.  The Highlanders and Pioneers will meet again a week from today, in Alfred, where the Highlanders hold a 5-3 record since joining the NCAA, although the teams have split their last four meetings in the Orvis Activities Center.    
 
>> Through five matches this season the Highlanders have yet to play beyond the third set.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Any time you get a win at home it's a positive.  It builds momentum as we prepare to start conference play.
 
"We have focused on finishing, and we did that.  I'm proud that we were able to accomplish that when it mattered the most." – Interim Head Coach Judy Fox
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will take the rest of the week off before traveling to Bradford, Pennsylvania to take on the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Panthers on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m.  While the Highlanders hold a 5-4 advantage over the Panthers since joining the NCAA, Pitt-Bradford has won each of the last four contests between the two teams, all by a 3-1 score.