The St. John Fisher College women's basketball team fell 71-66 to Houghton College on the road Friday evening. With the loss, Fisher drops to 3-7 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. Houghton moves to 7-3 overall and 1-0 in the Empire 8.

This is only the third time in the team's 26 meetings that Houghton has came out on top. Its also the first time the Highlanders have been victorious against the Cardinals since they joined the Empire 8 in 2012.

It was neck-and-neck nearly the whole first half with neither team able to earn a lead of more than six points. Emily Piacentini led the charge in the first stanza, scoring 10 of her 14 points of the night. Jessica Rhone took over the second, scoring 11.

Trailing going into the half, Fisher came out ready, regaining the lead early on. Houghton was able to come back though and going ahead right before the final quarter. The Highlanders never relinquished the lead after that, eventually pulling out the victory.

Piacentini's 14 points led all Cardinals, followed closely by Rhone's 13. Also reaching double-digits was Erin Hulbert, who notched 10 of her own.

Underneath the basket, Rhone cleaned up as well collecting nine boards. Nicole Robinson was also present, nabbing seven of her own.

Fisher will return to action at 2 p.m. on Saturday as it takes on Alfred University on the road.