WBB Cal State LA

Los Angeles, CA – The women’s basketball team finished their trip to California on a high note defeating NCAA Div. 2 Cal-State L.A. Golden Eagles, 71-67. This was the fourth win for the Highlanders this season placing five players in double digit scoring.

The women controlled the game practically from start to finish. The Highlanders jumped out to a quick lead 19-10 (14:37) from the shooting of freshman Leah French (Fr. Owego, NY) & Jessica Smith (Fr. Middleport, NY). French scored 7 quick points in the first few minute's while Smith added 6 of her 14 to give the Highlanders a comfortable lead.

The game remained close throughout the rest of the half with the Golden Eagles missing numerous opportunities to take the lead off Highlander turnovers. Erika Forland (Fr. Huntingdon Station, NY) kept the Highlanders in front dominating the offensive glass scoring 5 of her game high 16 points off offensive rebounds. Leah French (Fr. Owego, NY) continued to be productive scoring all 13 of her points in the first half giving the Highlanders a 3 point lead at half time, 35-32.

The second half started with the Highlanders maintaining their lead through the effort of Jessica Smith (Fr. Middleport, NY) who scored the first 6 points of the second half for the Highlanders. The Golden Eagles made their run closing a 5 point led to tie the game at 43-43 (13:57). During the next four minutes the Highlanders turned the ball over 4 straight possession's allowing the Golden Eagles to take a five point lead, 45-50 (11:11).

This was short lived as the women re-grouped around Cassie Merrill (Jr. Houghton, NY) & Erika Forland (Fr. Huntingdon Station, NY) who lit up the scoreboard combing for the next 18 points. Merrill scored a season high 11 points in 6 minute's while Forland added 7 more giving the Highlanders an 8 point lead 67-59 with less than four minutes left to play (3:40). The Highlanders closed out the game giving them a well deserved win breaking a two game losing streak.

The Highlanders were led by Erika Forland (Fr. Huntingdon Station, NY) who scored a game high 16 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 blocks, and shooting 6-14 from the field. Jessica Smith (Fr. Middleport, NY) scored 14 points in 14 minutes and had 5 rebounds. Leah French (Fr. Owego, NY) had 13 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Cassie Merrill (Jr. Houghton, NY) & Becky Kallal (Jr. West Chester, PA) each scored 11 points for the game.

The Highlanders now move to 4-5 overall and still remain 1-1 in AMC North Division play. Their next game will be at home against AMC North Division opponent Carlow College on January 5th at 6:00 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 -- December 30, 2006 CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- December 30, 2006
CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648