ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Houghton University women's soccer opened the 2026 season Tuesday evening, falling 3-0 to the University of Rochester at Edwin Fauver Stadium.
The Highlanders (0-1) kept the game scoreless through the opening 45 minutes before Rochester broke through early in the second half. Houghton goalkeeper Olivia Short made nine saves on the evening, helping keep the Highlanders within striking distance throughout the contest.
Houghton had an opportunity to take the lead in the 11th minute when Elena Esh put a shot on target, but Rochester goalkeeper Eleni McGuire made the save. Hope Russell also registered a shot on goal in the second half that was stopped by McGuire.
The Highlanders' defense and Short held Rochester scoreless through the first half despite the Yellowjackets producing 17 shots. Short turned aside six shots during the opening 45 minutes, while Houghton entered halftime still level at 0-0.
Rochester broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Delia McMullen scored off an assist from Sydney Holmes. Lauren Blanch added a second goal less than two minutes later, and Natalie Santangelo completed the scoring in the 61st minute.
Short finished with nine saves, including three in the second half. She made several stops after Rochester's three-goal burst, turning away shots from McMullen, Megan Anderson and Madeline Waffner during the final 10 minutes.
Hope Russell and Esh accounted for Houghton's two shots on goal, while Karryne Mims also recorded a shot. Russell led the Highlanders with one shot on goal, while Esh also put her lone attempt on frame.
Houghton finished with three total shots and earned three corner kicks, all coming in the second half. The Highlanders also played a clean match from a disciplinary standpoint, with no cards issued and just four fouls committed.
The Highlanders return home Friday, September 4, to host Fredonia in their home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
