HOUGHTON, NY – Coming into tonight's matchup, the Houghton Highlanders had won the last 15 matches against the Hilbert Hawks.  While all three sets stayed incredibly close, the Hawks capitalized on tough, scrappy defense and an efficient attack, snapping the Houghton streak, and did so in straight sets, 3-0.
 
After snatching the first set, the Hawks led late in the second, when a kill by Molly McKinnon forced set-point, 24-23. 
 
A kill by Houghton's Maryn Voortman, and a Hilbert attack error gave the Highlanders life, but a service error—an issue that would plague the Highlanders throughout the match—gave the Hawks the set and a 2-0 lead.
 
In the third set, Houghton would jump out to an early lead, only to watch the Hawks storm back, eventually taking a sizable, 21-14 lead late in the set.
 
The two teams traded points throughout the remainder of the set, but the Highlanders service woes continued, and they could not overcome the deficit.
 
GAME VITALS
Match Score: Houghton – 0 | Hilbert – 3 
Records: Houghton: 4-4 | Hilbert: 8-6
Set Scores: 22-25, 23-25, 21-25
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 180
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, when they will take on the Redeemer University College Royals.