WBB Geneva

Beaver Falls, PA – The Highlanders made their first AMC North Division playoff appearance since the 2002-03 season, but could not make it last long as they fell to Geneva College 72-53 tonight. Houghton played against an experience Golden Tornados team that used their size and speed against the young Highlanders.

“It was a closer game than the score reflected,” Coach Lord commented after the loss. “Geneva played tough defense and simply had more experience than our team. I am pleased with our season and am very optimistic about our future. We’re not losing any players next year, and all of our young freshman will have more experience. Next year we will certainly be a competitor.”

Geneva took the lead early and never looked back as they had the lead going into the half, 33-26. With a team composed mainly of seniors, Geneva certainly had the edge in experience, but the young Houghton squad fought hard throughout the game placing three freshmen as the Highlanders top scorers.

Leah French (Fr. Owego, NY) led the team with 14 points getting into early foul trouble kept her production low than average. Erika Forland (Fr. Huntington Station, NY) followed just behind her with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Forland had a tough match up against an experienced senior, but played well and was able to put in some tough shots. Jessica Smith (Fr. Middleport, NY) earned 10 points and 5 rebounds. Cassie Merrill (Jr. Houghton, NY) had 8 points and Ashley Scudder (Jr. Fredonia, NY) had 7 points, 5 rebounds, and played all 40 minutes of the game.

The Highlanders shot 35% from the field, 33% from the 3 point line, and 78% from the free throw line this evening.

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 -- February 17 2007 CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- February 17 2007
CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648