The Houghton Highlanders returned to the Nielsen Center on Tuesday night, battling through a high-intensity Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) clash against #18 Buffalo State Bengals. Despite a resilient defensive effort that saw the Highlanders extend several rallies, they were unable to overcome the Bengals' powerful service game and efficient middle attack. While Houghton remained within striking distance in the final frame, Buffalo State's late-set execution proved to be the difference, leaving the Highlanders still searching for their first conference victory of the season.
The Essentials

• Final Score: Buffalo State 3, Houghton 0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-21)
• Team Records: Houghton (1-10, 0-2 AMCC), Buffalo State (9-1, 2-0 AMCC)
• Location: Houghton, NY | Nielsen Center
• Attendance: 163

Key Moments

• Bengal Service Pressure: Buffalo State set the tone early in the match behind the service of Jackson Stang. Stang recorded three service aces during a 6-0 opening run in the first set, forcing the Highlanders to play from behind immediately. He finished with a match-high six aces.
• Set 2 Counter-Punch: Houghton showed resilience early in the second frame. After falling behind, Jared Wright ignited a spark with a service ace followed by a kill from Jonah Sissel to keep the Highlanders within striking distance at 5-4.
• Third Set Thriller: The Highlanders played their most competitive volleyball in the final set, which featured multiple lead changes. Houghton surged to a 20-18 lead following a pair of kills from Jonah Sissel. The Highlanders evened the score at 21-21 after a Bengals service error, but Buffalo State managed to close the match on a 4-0 run.
• Highlander Defensive Stand: Despite the scoreboard, Houghton's back-row defense was a bright spot, out-digging the Bengals 29-23. Libero Judah Kennel anchored the effort with a match-high 13 digs, while the Highlanders also controlled the net with 6.0 total blocks compared to Buffalo State's 3.0.

Key Highlander Stats

• Team Stats: 21 Kills, 3 Aces, 6 Block, 29 Digs
• Jonah Sissel: 9 Kills, 5 Digs, 2 Assists
• Devin Cline: 8 Kills, 6 Digs
• Jerry Buno: 18 Assists, 4 Digs
• Jared Wright: 3 Blocks, 1 Ace
• Judah Kennel: 13 Digs (Team high)
• Caleb Stephens: 2 Aces

Looking Ahead The Highlanders hit the road again this weekend for another AMCC matchup against Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, PA. First serve is slated for 1:00pm.