ERIE, PA – Houghton lost both of their games in a tri-match hosted by Penn State Behrend that also included Muskingum University. Winning only one of the seven sets played during the double header, the Highlanders faced two of their toughest challenges this season in back to back match-ups.
GAME VITALS
Game #1:
Match Score: Houghton – 0 | Penn State Behrend – 3
Records: Houghton: 2-2 | Penn State Beaver: 6-1
Set Scores: 23-25, 13-25, 15-25
Venue: Junker Center, Penn State Behrend
Recap:
The Highlanders dropped their first game of the day to Penn State Behrend in three sets, averaging 17 points per set coming from an average of 10 kills per set.
The first set of the match was Houghton's best showing against the Lions, erasing a 19-10 deficit to come back and briefly take the lead. The Lions, however, were able to regain control of the lead and never surrendered the momentum for the remainder of the match.
Although the offense for the Highlanders in the second and third sets was unable to find the consistency it was searching for,
Alexa Belanger was able to contribute nine kills and four aces across the three sets.
Freshman
Paige Brennan led the charge with her defense, securing double digits digs for the first time in her career with a total of 10.
Game #2:
Match Score: Houghton – 1 | Muskingum – 3
Records: Houghton: 2-3 | Muskingum: 7-1
Set Scores: 25-21, 15-25, 13-25, 15-25
Venue: Junker Center, Penn State Behrend
Recap:
Bouncing back from the sweep to start the day, the Highlanders were able to win the first set of the match against Muskingum by a score of 25-21 that included 14 kills and a .481 hitting percentage.
Houghton's kill leaders for the match,
Alexa Belanger and
Petra Thomas, both finished eight kills. Thomas, a freshman middle-blocker, set a new career high in kills in only 14 total attacks.
The Fighting Muskies extended their winning streak to five consecutive matches with their victory over the Highlanders, largely advanced by the efforts of junior Mya Leach who tallied 14 kills against Houghton.
NOTABLE STATS
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Jessica Prentice, senior right-side hitter, increased her kill total for the season to 38 with the 12 total kills she was able to put down over the course of the day.
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Alexa Belanger, Praylan Perkins, and freshman Viktoriia Lozynska each contributed a solo block during the Highlanders' match against Muskingum.
UP NEXT
It will be a quick turnaround for Houghton Women's Volleyball, as they will prepare for their home opener set on Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 PM. The game will be hosted at Letchworth High School in Gainesville, NY.
