BROCKPORT, N.Y. -- Houghton women's tennis earned a hard-fought 6-1 win over Brockport on the road Friday afternoon noon.

The victory improved the team's overall record to 4-5 and 3-2 in conference play. It also put the Highlanders in the E8 playoffs for the first time since the 2022-23 season.

Against the Golden Eagles, Houghton earned the double points by taking two of the three matches. Sage Brinckerhoff and Arija Grant teamed for a 6-2 win in the first pairing, while Victoria Martinez and Abigail Lloyd battled to a 7-6 (7-5) win in third doubles.

The matches didn't get any easier in singles play. Brinckerhoff won at first (6-1, 6-2), Grant took second (6-4, 6-3), Clancey Cockle got a victory in third (6-1, 6-2), Martinez won at fourth (6-2, 6-3) and Lloyd won at sixth (6-1, 6-4). Even though she didn't get a victory, Zoe Zachery battled her opponent in a third set match, ultimately losing 1-6, 6-3, 2-6.

Houghton is back in action Saturday, hosting Hartwick for a 2 p.m. Senior Day Homecoming match.