LANGHORNE, PA- The Highlanders opened up their season against the high-powered offense of the Lebanon Valley College Dutchmen, dropping an intense contest by a score of 83-68.
 
Cairn faced a tough test in their opening matchup, as visiting Lebanon Valley College returns two of the highest scoring players in Division III with the sharp-shooting tandem of Sam Light and Andy Orr. The Highlanders though, have their own impressive pair with the healthy return of West Chester transfer Malachi Hall and returner Julian Collazo. Known for an uptempo style of play, the Highlanders started the season in fitting fashion when Eric Jacobs splashed a fast break three for their first official bucket of the year. Both teams played a bit tentatively in the early stages, finding the rhythm of gameplay after months of preparation. Basketball is a game of runs, and while Cairn led 5-4 early on, the Dutchmen would throw the night's first punch with a 16-2 run over the first 10 minutes. Startled awake by a 20-6 deficit, the Highlanders bounced back over the rest of the first half, led largely by a flurry of midrange jumpers from junior forward Jordan Koczman. Cairn would enter the break trailing 28-38, led by Koczman's 8 points and two 3s from Josh Decker.
 
Early in the second half, Eric Jacobs cut the Highlanders deficit to three points; starting the second half much like the first with two-quick release threes. We officially had a game as both teams traded baskets, and each team's stars began to exert their influence on the night's proceedings. The Highlanders were led by Hall and Collazo, as well as the excellent play of freshman Antoine Nunnally. Tasked with stifling All-American candidate Andy Orr, Nunnally performed admirably notching a double-double and frustrating the 6'7" Orr inside the entire night. Seemingly every time the Highlanders would get within striking distance, Sam Light came through with a bucket to keep Cairn just out of reach. Collazo and Hall connected for a thunderous alley oop to bring Cairn within 6 with 5:00 minutes remaining, but Light, who tallied 41 points on the night, came right back with two midrange jumpers to keep the Highlanders at bay. Cairn would get no closer than 5 points as the Dutchmen went on a 15-5 run over the last five minutes to close out Cairn's comeback attempt.
 
Despite the defeat, the Highlanders played an excellent game against a team with the NCAA Tournament firmly in their sights. From Nunnally's double-double, to Hall's 13-4-5, and Collazo's 9-5-8 the Highlanders gained great experience and will certainly enter their next game with confidence. Cairn will host Messiah College at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 11/21.