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ALBANY, NY – Houghton Field Hockey opened Empire 8 conference play in impressive fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating Russell Sage College, 5-2, at the ACPHS Athletic Complex. The Highlanders improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in Empire 8 play with the victory.

RECAP
Russell Sage struck first just 4:24 into the contest, but Houghton quickly answered as Lauren Thurber found the back of the cage at 13:38 to send the game into the second quarter tied at 1-1. Courtney Walbridge gave the Highlanders their first lead of the afternoon at 19:22 before Adria Hartzler added another goal just over a minute later to make it 3-1.

The Gators responded in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to one at 3-2 with a goal from Leah Albers at 37:03. Houghton answered late in the quarter when Campbell Bowers converted a penalty stroke at 41:27, restoring the Highlanders' two-goal advantage heading into the final period.

Houghton continued to pressure the Russell Sage defense throughout the fourth quarter before Hartzler put the game away with just two seconds remaining. Her second goal of the afternoon, assisted by Ava Kramp, capped the 5-2 victory.

Houghton controlled much of the offensive action, outshooting Russell Sage 33-14 and putting 18 shots on goal. Walbridge led the Highlanders with nine shots, while Hartzler recorded nine shots and six shots on goal. Goalkeeper Amber Cribbs made eight saves in the victory.

GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 5 | Russell Sage – 2
Records: Houghton: 4-1 | Russell Sage: 2-4
Empire 8 Records: Houghton: 1-0 | Russell Sage: 1-1
Venue: ACPHS Athletic Complex, Albany, NY | Attendance: 414
 

4:24		Sadee Short Assisted By: Cheyanne Zobel GOAL by Russell Sage Sadee Short (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Cheyanne Zobel
13:38		Lauren Thurber GOAL by Houghton Lauren Thurber
19:22		Courtney Walbridge Assisted By: Team GOAL by Houghton Courtney Walbridge, Assist by Team
20:42		Adria Hartzler GOAL by Houghton Adria Hartzler
37:03		Leah Albers Assisted By: Catherine Newkirk GOAL by Russell Sage Leah Albers, Assist by Catherine Newkirk
41:27		Campbell Bowers Houghton Campbell Bowers PENALTY STROKE GOAL, goal number 0 for season.
59:58		Adria Hartzler Assisted By: Ava Kramp GOAL by Houghton Adria Hartzler, Assist by Ava Kramp

NOTABLE STATS
>> Adria Hartzler recorded a pair of goals, including the game's final goal with two seconds remaining. She finished the afternoon with nine shots and six shots on goal.

>> Courtney Walbridge added a goal on nine shots, while Lauren Thurber and Campbell Bowers each found the cage once.

>> Ava Kramp recorded an assist on Hartzler's final goal, while Houghton finished with six penalty corners to Russell Sage's four.
 
>> Amber Cribbs made eight saves on 10 Russell Sage shots on goal to earn the conference-opening victory.

UP NEXT
The Highlanders will take the long drive back from Albany, NY excited for the chance to increase their winning streak to five games. Getting the chance to play at home for the third time this season, Houghton will host the visiting Saxons of Alfred University on Wednesday, September 23, at 7:00 PM on Burke Field.