HOUGHTON, NY – The Houghton Highlanders snapped a five-match losing streak to the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford on Wednesday night, defeating the Panthers in a dramatic five-set match, 3-2.
 
After the Panthers handily took the first set, 25-15, the Highlanders stormed back to take the next two sets, 25-19 and 25-15, respectively.
 
Houghton appeared to be clicking on all cylinders and rushed out to a 13-6 advantage in the fourth set, but the Panthers fought back, reeling off seven straight points to tie the score.  The two teams traded points late into the set before Pitt-Brad rallied to score the final five points to tie the match, 2-2.
 
In the fifth and final set, Logan Baer put the Highlanders on her back, serving six straight points—two service aces, and another three on assists to Emma Cole—to give Houghton a commanding lead.  While the Panthers attempted to climb back into the game, the Highlanders attack proved too strong, claiming nine of the team's 15 points on kills, including the final two points of the match on kills by Ainslie Reimer and Cole.
 
GAME VITALS
Match Score: Houghton – 3 | Pitt-Bradford – 2
Game Scores: (15-25, 25-19, 25-15, 22-25, 15-7)
Records: Houghton: 2-3 | Pitt-Bradford: 1-6 
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 154

NOTABLE STATS
>> Cole finished with a career-high 19 kills and posted an impressive .400 attack percentage. 
 
>> Reimer added nine kills and a team-high 22 digs, while Katie Naprawa notched eight kills and seven blocks.
 
>> Baer and Morgan Brace tag-teamed to dish out 25 and 18 assists apiece, respectively.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Tonight was a great match.  Our freshmen are making a difference on offense and defense, and we are finally finding a groove. 
 
"We have spent extra time on our connections with our setters and hitters, and it's paying off.  We will enjoy this victory but look towards the weekend as we head into the [Buffalo State] Tournament." – Head Coach Haley Unverdorben
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to the Buffalo State Tournament this weekend, challenging the host Bengals on Friday at 7:00 p.m., before playing Covenant (Ga.) and Penn State-Behrend on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., respectively.