HOUGHTON, NY – Emma Cole and Ainslie Reimer pounded out 16 kills apiece as the Houghton Highlanders defeated the Hilbert Hawks, 3-1, on Wednesday night.
 
After the Highlanders rolled through the first set, 25-13, the Hawks found their footing in the second, pulling out a seesaw battle, 25-22.
 
With the match tied at one set apiece, Houghton turned in their best hitting performance of the season, posting 12 kills on a .435 attack percentage, winning the set, 25-15.
 
While the attack percentage dipped slightly in the final set, the Highlanders continued to play solid defense and rapped out 15 more kills to finish the match with a 25-16 win.
 
GAME VITALS
Match Score: Houghton – 3 | Hilbert – 1 
Records: Houghton: 3-6 | Hilbert: 6-6
Set Scores: 25-13, 22-25, 25-15, 25-16
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 115

NOTABLE STATS
>> Reimer posted her first career double-double, adding 11 digs to her new career-best kill number.
 
>> With fellow setter, Logan Baer, out with an ankle injury, Morgan Brace picked up the slack, posting a career-high 40 assists.  For good measure, Brace also collected five kills.
 
>> Nora Dugan added a career-high, and team-best, 14 digs.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Today we changed some things up and we still did well.  We are receiving better, which is getting more hitters involved and allowing us to have a stronger defense.
 
"Now we'll look toward our tri-match this Saturday against Alfred State and Fredonia." – Head Coach Haley Unverdorben
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center this Saturday at 11:00 to take on the Fredonia State Blue Devils.  At 1:00 p.m. Fredonia State will play Alfred State.  And at 3:00 p.m. Houghton will return to the court to challenge the Pioneers.