VB_Elmira

Volleyball Team Shoots Down Eagles, 3-0

Houghton, N.Y.—It was closer than they would have liked, but the Houghton volleyball team swept NCAA Div. III Elmira College 3-0 (30-26, 30-26, 30-22) this evening at the Nielsen Physical Education Center at Houghton.

The Eagles made a gutsy effort in the first set, exposing holes in the Highlander defense early (6-12). It seemed as if Houghton lay dormant but awoke in time, quickly controlling the net defensively behind freshman Leah Scott with two consecutive blocks. Sophomores Holly Motheral and Lenore Basset and freshman Darby Emerson led the way to retake the lead and the set (30-26).

With the home crowd growing to capacity, the home court advantage started to take effect during the second set. The game stayed close until Darby Emerson laid out three straight kills and two blocks to give the Highlanders a comfortable lead (14-8). Some late errors shook Highlanders Head Coach Nancy Cole's nerves a little about her young Highlander team; however, Houghton continued to keep the Eagles at bay, finally closing out the set (30-26).

Both teams dug in during the third set with each side trying to take the early advantage. The Eagles stayed close halfway through the set (15-13) but Houghton's defense kept the the Eagles frustrated throughout the rest of the set, limiting scoring opportunities for the visitors. The Highlanders turned frustration into points, closing out the set and the match (30-22).

The non-conference win improved the Highlanders' record to 10-15 for the season (still 2-5 in American Mideast Conference play).

Brianne Brubaker recorded a double-double tonight with 20 assists and 12 digs. Megan Phipps added 27 assists and Darby Emerson had another solid all-round performance with 13 kills, four blocks and 13 digs for the match. Holly Motheral led offensively with 20 kills and four blocks and Leah Scott finished tallied eight blocks.

The Highlanders will play at home again October 16 against American Mideast Conference opponent Daemen College. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Houghton College has deep and solid roots in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, where our teams use their commitment to excellence, both on the field-of-play and in the classroom, as a platform for their strong and unique emphasis on Sports Ministry. Their goal is to make a difference for the Kingdom on campus, in Allegany County, in the Northeast and around the world. Houghton is one of only 13 institutions who have been hand-selected by the NAIA to serve as "Champions of Character" Program Centers, opening the door for Houghton to be a leader, both in the Northeast and nationally, in character education. Through hands-on, innovative community outreach initiatives, Houghton coaches and student-athletes are working together to change the culture of sport and to change our culture through sport.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Doug Roorbach, Sports Information Director 585.567.9556

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Doug Roorbach, Sports Information Director 585.567.9556