AMHERST, NY - Sophomore Jenn Karan blasted 16 kills in just 26 attempts to lead the Daemen Wildcats to a four-set victory (25-15, 25-8, 24-26, 25-17) over the Houghton Highlanders in both teams' American Mideast Conference opener at Lumsden Gymnasium tonight.  With the win, Daemen improves to 17-6, 1-0 on the season while Houghton falls to 3-10, 0-1.

It was a steady diet of bombs and hard hit balls from Karan all night as the 5'10" outside hitter was on top of her game, adding a season-best five service aces.  She was aided by junior Joanna Fretthold who put down 10 kills in her 14 attack attempts.

Setters Kaley Vazquez and Kimmie Mack ran the show and combined for 31 assists on the night.

Junior Libero Katie Auge controlled the pace with her stellar play in the back row as she collected 17 digs.  Karan (12) and Fretthold (8) combined for 20 digs on the night as well.

Up front, middle blocker Kaitlin Watchey contributed five kills and five blocks.  Karan added four blocks while Rachel Ottaway and Natalie Meyer split six blocks for the Wildcats who controlled the net for the majority of the match.

Daemen returns to action on their home court this coming Saturday, September 24 when they take on the Carlow Celtics beginning at 4pm in another AMC match-up.