HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Four members of the Houghton University women's volleyball team earned 2026 Empire 8 recognition, highlighted by junior outside hitter Alexa Belanger's selection to the All-Empire 8 First Team.

Belanger, a native of Ballston Spa, New York, earned First Team honors for the second time in her career. Freshman middle blocker Petra Thomas was named to the Second Team, while senior setter Morgan Brace earned Third Team recognition. Senior Jessica Prentice was selected as Houghton's representative on the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team.

Belanger led the Highlanders with 328 kills, averaging 3.45 kills per set, while hitting .210 for the season. She also contributed 254 digs, 38 service aces and 16 total blocks. Her all-around production made her one of the conference's top offensive performers and helped earn her another First Team selection.

Thomas made an impact in her first collegiate season, finishing with 172 kills and a team-high 62 total blocks. She averaged 2.57 kills and 0.87 blocks per set while hitting .311. Her blocking presence was a key part of Houghton's defensive effort throughout the season.

Brace directed the Houghton offense from the setter position, leading the team with 800 assists and averaging 8.63 assists per set. She also recorded 220 digs and 39 service aces. Her consistent work running the offense earned her Third Team recognition.

Prentice, a senior from Houghton, New York, was named to the Tomorrow's Leaders Team. She contributed 117 kills and 28 total blocks during the season. The Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team recognizes one student-athlete from each member institution who has emerged as a leader in competition, the classroom and the community, while consistently demonstrating sportsmanship and integrity.

Houghton finished the season with a 12-15 overall record and a 7-4 mark in Empire 8 play.