LETCHWORTH, NY – Houghton Women's Volleyball had a huge bounce back victory against the Hilbert Hawks in their first home match of the season. Although the match was not able to be held in the Highlanders true home venue of the Nielsen Center, the home crowd was still able to enjoy watching Houghton secure a 3-1 win.
GAME VITALS
Match Score: Houghton – 3 | Hilbert – 1
Records: Houghton: 3-3 | Hilbert: 2-7
Set Scores: 25-21, 25-16, 25-27, 25-18
Venue: Letchworth Central School
Recap:
The Highlanders hosted Hilbert, the 17
th match-up between the two squads, and jumped out to an early lead by winning the first set 25-21.
The Hawks certainly did not surrender easily, battling back to win the second set by a nine point margin that included their match high in hitting percentage (0.259).
Houghton had plenty of offense to answer, tallying 14 kills in the third set and 15 kills in the fourth set, improving their hitting percentage with each passing set.
Led by sophomore
Mia Noble, the defensive efforts of the Highlanders at the net was certainly a noticeable improvement in this contest as they were able to execute 2 solo blocks and 6 block assists.
While the serving area of the match leaned in favor of Hilbert, the setting efforts of senior
Morgan Brace were enough to help the offense still create and maintain strong leads.
NOTABLE STATS
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Alexa Belanger led the Highlanders for the match with 13 total kills while adding 13 digs and a service ace as well.
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Sophomore Becca Wilkins contributed 11 kills of her own, bouncing back in the later sets to land offensive swings that consistently swung the momentum firmly in the direction of the Highlanders.
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will have their next chance for competition this weekend as they travel to Meadville, Pennsylvania to participate in the Allegheny Volleyball Invitational. Their first two matches of the event will take place on Friday, September 18, against Adrian College (5:00 PM) and SUNY Fredonia (7:00 PM).
