HOUGHTON, N.Y. — The Houghton University Highlanders women's basketball team is proud to announce multiple selections to the 2025–26 Empire 8 All-Conference Women's Basketball Team, as voted by the league's head coaches. The Highlanders earned recognition for both individual excellence and contributions to one of the conference's top programs this season.
Houghton Honorees
Crysta LaCrosse – Empire 8 First Team
Senior guard
Crysta LaCrosse earned first-team All-Conference honors, anchoring the Highlanders' backcourt and playmaking attack. LaCrosse has been a consistent force throughout the season, scoring at a near-double-digit clip and serving as Houghton's primary distributor. She became the
all-time assist leader in Houghton women's basketball history, surpassing previous program marks midseason, and has scored over 1,100 career points. Her combination of scoring, rebounding and court vision has made her one of the most versatile guards in the Empire 8.
Olivia Simser – Empire 8 Third Team & Rookie of the Year
Freshman guard
Olivia Simser capped an outstanding debut campaign by being named the
Empire 8 Rookie of the Year and earning third-team All-Conference honors. Simser has been a sparkplug for the Highlanders' offense, draining
46 three-point field goals on the season and averaging 8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game. She has showcased her scoring versatility, including a season-high
29-point outing versus Alfred, and earned multiple E8 Rookie of the Week accolades for her dynamic play.
Tabitha DeVries – Empire 8 Second Team
Junior forward
Tabitha DeVries joined the All-Conference Second Team with her strong inside presence. DeVries has been one of Houghton's top statistical contributors, averaging
13.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while shooting efficiently (51% FG) and anchoring the Highlanders' frontcourt. Her performance has been key in Houghton's success this season and reflects her continued growth as a reliable two-way player.
In addition,
Karina Crouse was Houghton's selection to the E8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team. One member of each team was named that institution's representative. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they "compete with honor and integrity" and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportswomen.
"Developing character and integrity is a hallmark of the Empire 8," said E8 Executive Director Chuck Mitrano. "This series is proof that Empire 8 and our member institutions are committed to intercollegiate athletics' important role in higher education."
Team Performance and Season Impact
Houghton's 2025–26 campaign has been one of its most exciting in recent memory. The Highlanders have compiled a 22–5 overall record and finished with an 11–5 mark in Empire 8 play, earning the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament. The Highlanders will host #4 Geneseo in the E8 Championship game on Saturday.
Houghton led the league in scoring offense (averaging over 78 points per game) and ranked among the conference's best defensive units.
Beyond individual awards, Houghton's balanced scoring and leadership from veteran performers like LaCrosse and emerging stars like Simser and DeVries have positioned the Highlanders to make a deep postseason run and pursue the program's first Empire 8 championship.
Conference All-Conference Team Overview
In addition to Houghton's honorees, the league's All-Conference teams feature talent from across the Empire 8, including the Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year selections. These honors reflect the competitive balance and high level of play throughout the conference.
Full Conference Press Release
