HOUGHTON, NY— In her first start of the season, Marley Drake made Coach Phil Pellegrino look like a genius, draining six three-pointers in route to a career-best 22 points, as the Houghton Highlanders cruised past the visiting Keuka Wolves, 66-43.
 
After a slow start, the Highlanders kicked into gear in the second quarter, outscoring the Wolves over the second 10-minute period, 22-8, taking a 34-17 advantage into the break. 
 
Early in the third, Tabitha DeVries sparked a 9-2 run, as Houghton stretched their lead to over 20 points. 
 
The Wolves did outscore the Highlanders in the final quarter, 15-12, but by that point it was simply too little, too late, as Houghton finished off the 23-point victory.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 66 | Keuka – 43
Records: Houghton: 16-2 (7-2 Empire 8) | Keuka: 1-15 (0-8 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 112

NOTABLE STATS
>> Drake bested her previous high of 17 points, set against Keuka earlier this season, knocking down 8-of-17 from the floor, and 6-of-15 from long range, while nabbing three steals.
 
>> Kayla Camacho chipped in 13 points, a pair of blocks and a pair of steals.  She has reached double-digit points in 15 of the team's 18 games this season.
 
>> Crysta LaCrosse collected 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.  She has reached double-digit points in each of the last five games, and accomplished the feat 10 times this season.  She has recorded at least five assists in a game six times, and pulled down at least five rebounds 11 times.
 
>> Trinity Copeland registered nine rebounds and five assists, and Hannah Farley added seven points, seven boards and four assists.
 
>> Sydney Brown led the Wolves with 17 points.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Today was a good bounce-back win for us.  I loved the way we took care of the ball today.  Throwing only seven turnovers is an incredible feat for any team.
 
"We need to keep working to get better on the defensive end, and on the boards, before we take our trip to Utica.  I'm excited for the challenge ahead this weekend.
 
"I'm [also] excited to keep getting better with the group again tomorrow at practice!" – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Utica on Saturday for a matchup with the Utica University Pioneers at 2:00 p.m.  Houghton defeated Utica earlier this season in Houghton, 61-44, stretching their win streak against the Pioneers to three games.