ALTOONA, PA – The Houghton University men's volleyball team battled through a tightly contested four-set match on the road Friday evening, but ultimately fell 3-1 to Penn State Altoona in AMCC play.
Houghton opened the match with its strongest performance, edging out a 28-26 win in the first set. The Highlanders showed resilience in extended rallies, hitting .184 as a team while fending off multiple late pushes from Altoona.
The hosts responded by taking the next three sets (25-23, 25-13, 25-20), capitalizing on improved offensive efficiency and limiting Houghton's attack opportunities as the match progressed.
Key Performers
Devin Cline led the Highlanders offensively with a team-high 13 kills and added eight digs, finishing with 15.0 points. Jonah Sissel contributed nine kills and 13 digs, while Michael McGlynn added five kills and a service ace.
Setter Jerry Buno orchestrated the offense with 29 assists, while also contributing defensively with six digs and three total blocks. At the net, Jared Wright and Buno each recorded three block assists as Houghton totaled six team blocks.
Defensively, Ferron Mitchell anchored the back row with a match-high 18 digs, helping Houghton compile 60 digs as a team.
Team Stats
Houghton finished with 38 kills on 145 attempts, hitting .007 for the match. The Highlanders were competitive early but struggled with consistency, committing 35 attack errors.
The opening set marked Houghton's most efficient stretch, but offensive production dipped in set three, where the team hit -.250. Despite rebounding in the fourth set, Altoona maintained control behind a .158 overall hitting percentage.
Match Notes
- Houghton recorded 32 assists and four service aces
- The match featured 18 tie scores and nine lead changes
- Three of the four sets were decided by five points or fewer
Houghton drops to 4-17 overall and 3-3 in AMCC play, while Penn State Altoona improves to 6-13 (4-2 AMCC).
