HAMBURG, N.Y. – Thanks in part to the large and energized fans in the stands, the Hilbert College women's volleyball team played a complete game tonight against Houghton College.  Even though the Hawks lost in straight sets, they were aggressive at the net and played the ball well coming off Highlander attacks which impressed everyone watching. 

Ashley Viengmay collected 18 digs but could certainly have had a few more had Houghton been able to gather for better attacks and not send a free ball over the net.  Amanda Binder finished with 12 kills in 32 attempts and had support from Chelsea Adamski who added eight kills (31 attempts).  The Hawks, as a team finished with 26 kills and Morgan Ott accounted for 16 of the team's 19 assists.

Kamalei Lene contributed a pair of service aces while Amber Hay produced her most aggressive play at the net this season.  She finished with 13 attempts in three sets and posted two kills.

The win-less Hawks gave the 16-8 Highlanders a run for their money in stretches.  Houghton totaled 34 kills and Hilbert picked up 57 digs, thanks to their great defense.  Besides Viengmay's game-high digs, Adamski reached double-figures with 12.  Kamalei Lene, Morgan Ott and Amanda Binder each added seven digs to the team's cause.

Houghton started the match like champions but Hilbert battled back to an 8-6 deficit in the opening set.  Amanda Binder reached for a kill and the hosts followed with a block assist to cut the score to 16-12. Untimely Hilbert hitting errors and strong attacks that turned into kills by the visitors led to the 25-18 set score.

Hilbert started the second set with the confidence they displayed mid-way through the first game.  Both teams traded points after a 6-6 score until Houghton went on a mini run to take a 14-10 lead.   Hilbert's back line on defense was incredible getting to balls and keeping play live.  Slowly Houghton built a 5 point lead (19-14) and then took off to the 25-16 final.

Playing to win and not to lose, Hilbert jumped on the purple and white in the final set.  The Hawks look a 5-3 lead thanks to a service ace by Ott and strong hitting by Binder and Adamski.  Each team gained side outs as the score inched higher but Hilbert stayed in the match with smart hitting and soft hits up over Houghton's block attempts at the net. Hilbert held their final lead, 16-15 off an Anissa Quiroga kill before Houghton took advantage of Hilbert's late-game hitting slump.  The Highlanders won the final set 25-18.

The women's volleyball team will travel to Medaille College this week, but there are scheduled to play La Roche College (12 noon) and Pitt.-Greensburg (2pm) in AMCC pool play.  Fans can follow both games via live stats.