HAMBURG, NY – The Houghton Highlanders opened the 2024 season with a strong victory on the road over the Hilbert Hawks, 3-1.
 
After a strong hitting performance in the opening set, in which the Highlanders posted 12 kills and a .391 attack percentage, the Hawks turned the tables in the second game, evening the match at one set apiece.
 
Houghton would rebound to take the final two sets, 25-18 and 25-19 to seal the win.

GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 3 | Hilbert – 1
Records: Houghton: 1-0 (0-0 Empire 8) | Hilbert: 1-3 (0-0 AMCC)
Scores: 25-13, 9-25, 25-18, 25-19
Venue: Brad Hafner Recreation Center, Hilbert College | Attendance: 190

NOTABLE STATS
>> Freshmen Lilly Bentley and Alexa Bellanger led the Highlanders with 12 and 10 kills apiece, respectively. Bentley also added four blocks.
 
>> Emma Cole collected nine kills and five blocks, while Ella Smith led the Highlanders with 14 digs.
 
>> Logan Baer and Morgan Brace posted 17 and 15 assists apiece, respectively.

>> The match marked the first career win for first-year Head Coach Danielle Heffernan
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Erie, PA this weekend for the Penn State-Behrend Tournament.  They will Thiel and the host Lions at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m., respectively, on Friday.