HOUGHTON, NY – A stifling defense lifted the Houghton Highlanders past the Utica University Pioneers on Saturday afternoon, 61-44.
 
The Highlanders forced 30 turnovers, leading to 17 points, as they picked up their eighth consecutive win to start the 2023-24 season, their best start in recorded program history. 
 
In the first quarter alone, Houghton forced nine Utica turnovers, and shot 57 percent from the floor, bolting out to an 18-6 lead after the first 10 minutes.
 
Houghton's shooting eventually cooled, and the Pioneers stabilized their play, but the Highlanders early play proved too much to overcome.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 61 | Utica – 44
Records: Houghton: 8-0 (1-0 Empire 8) | Utica: 1-6 (0-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 205

NOTABLE STATS
>> Kayla Camacho scored 15 points, dished out eight assists and grabbed six rebounds.  She has reached double-digit points in seven of the team's eight games this season and is currently averaging a team-best 13 points per game.
 
>> Crysta LaCrosse collected a team-high 18 points, six rebounds and three steals, while Tabitha DeVries posted 15 points and team-highs seven rebounds and four steals.
 
>> Vanessa Hall scored a game-high 20 points for the Pioneers.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Great way to open up conference play.  We came out with a ton of energy and really made our mark defensively.
 
"It's fun to see this group compete for each other day in and day out.
 
"We have another tough conference matchup coming up on Tuesday on the road.  We need to take a day of rest and get ready to compete again on Monday at practice.
 
"I'm proud of this group!" – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Keuka Park on Tuesday, December 7 to take on the Keuka College Wolves at 5:30 p.m. Houghton defeated Keuka by 31 points, 84-53, at home last season, before falling, 51-54, on the road.