The Houghton College softball team lost 2-1 and 7-0 in the doubleheader against the Utica College Pioneers Friday night.

In game one the Pioneers opened up the scoring in the top of the fourth inning when Samantha Sanky hit a leadoff homer. The Pioneers would add another run later in the inning to take a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth Jessica Hayner (Waterford, NY, Shenendehowa) led off the inning with a double. She advanced to third when Carolin Strasswimmer (Greenwich, NY, Greenwich/Adirondack CC) hit a ground ball towards the first basemen. Then Adrienne Huston (New Waterford, OH, Crestview High School) hit a fly ball to right field that scored Hayner from third.

In bottom of the sixth the Highlanders threatened to tie the game up with runners at second and third with two outs, but Utica pitcher Abby Monroe got Bailey Shattell (Syracuse, NY, Faith Heritage) to ground out and ended the threat.
In the seventh with two outs Huston hit a double into right center, but Monroe again got another Highlander to ground out.

Monroe earned the win and Morgan York (Canisteo, NY, Canisteo-Greenwood) was handed the loss for the Highlanders.

In game two the Pioneers came out swinging in the top of the first scoring three runs on three hits.

The Pioneers added another in the second forcing Coach Reece to make an early pitching change.
After three scoreless innings the Pioneers put the game out of reach in the top of the sixth. Scoring three runs on four hits to take a 7-0 lead.

Utica pitcher Brittany Meka  kept the Highlanders off balance all day and earned the win. Sarah Beirne (Port Jervis, NY, Port Jervis) was handed the loss.

In the box score the Highlanders were led by Strasswimmer who went two for two.

The Highlanders softball team is back in action tomorrow when they take on Ithaca College at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex.