BALTIMORE, MD - The Houghton Highlanders traveled to Hood College to compete in a weekend tournament, opening play against Virginia Wesleyan, who entered the match with a 6-1 record. It proved to be a tough test from the start, as the Marlins were dominant on both sides of the ball and kept the pressure on throughout the match. In the end, Virginia Wesleyan claimed the match in straight sets.  
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton - 0|Virginia Wesleyan - 3
Records: Houghton: 0-4, 0-0 AMCC | Virginia Wesleyan: 7-1, 1-0 ODAC
Scores: 12-25, 14-25, 13-25
Venue: Woodsboro Bank Arena  | Attendance: 50
 
Recap:
 
Houghton looked to build off a week of strong practices as they prepared to face three opponents this weekend. It was a tough opening match for the Highlanders as they took on the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins in the first of three contests. Form the opening serve, it was clear the Marlins were playing at a high level, dominating on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
 
Virginia Wesleyan jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead in the opening set, forcing Houghton to call an early timeout. The Marlins continued to apply pressure out of the break, extending their advantage to 13-4 and prompting the Highlanders to use their final timeout. Unfortunately, the deficit proved too large to overcome, as Virginia Wesleyan claimed the first set 25-12.
 
The Marlins opened the second set the same way they closed the first, rattling off several points to build an 18-9 lead before Houghton used its first timeout. The Highlanders were able to get a few points back, but Virginia Wesleyan maintained control and took the second set 25-14.
 
In the final set, the Marlins continued their offensive efficiency, recording seven kills in their first 10 points. Riding that momentum, Virginia Wesleyan closed out the match with a 25-13 win in the third set, completing the 3-0 sweep.
 
At the end of the night, the Highlanders struggled to find an offensive rhythm, finishing the night with 12 kills. Defensively, they were unable to slow down the Marlins' attack, as they recorded 46 kills while hitting an impressive .421 for the match.
 
NOTABLE STATS
>>Jonah Sissel notched four kills
 
>> Devin Cline led the offense with six kills
 
FOR THE OPPONENT
>>JaMarhe Wills of Virginia Wesleyan tallied 15 kills on the night and hitting .591
 
>>Ajaye Davis posted a double-double with 36 assists and 11 digs
 
UP NEXT
 
The Highlanders return to action tomorrow, opening the day against host Hood College at 10:00am, followed by a matchup with Cairn University at 12:00pm.