HOUGHTON, NY – Houghton softball began conference play with a strong performance against the Utica Pioneers, taking 10-1 adn 4-2 victories at home Friday. The Highlanders started strong in the first game and would push through for a win in game 2. The Highlanders have pushed their win streak to 6 games and their overall record to 7-11 and 2-0 in conference play.
 
Game 1
Houghton 10, Utica 1 (5 innings)
The Highlanders bats came out strong in the first inning giving them a 5-0 lead on Utica already. It was an all-around performance by everyone in the first inning that led to Houghton's five-run lead. Lauren Couturier started the first inning with a walk followed by McKenzie Marti walking as well. After sacrifice bunt from Hannah Haskell to put runners on third and second,. Taylor Sile ripped a single to left field, allowing Lauren Couturier and McKenzie Marti to score the first two runs of the game. From there the Highlanders would take this energy and roll with it to put three more runs on the board.
 
Game 1 Notes

• Lauren Couturier led Houghton with 3 hits
• Katie Jones collected 1 RBI, while Taylor Sile had 2 RBIs
• Taylor Sile had 2 stolen bases
• Kaylee Jentsch only allowed one hit in five innings and had one strikeout

 
Game 2
Houghton 4, Utica 2 (7 innings)
The Highlanders again would remain strong during the first inning, as they created a 2-0 lead on Utica. Houghton's, Taylor Sile would take initiative with Hannah Haskell on base due to an error, hitting a home run to bring the Highlanders to their 2-0 lead. The game would remain 2-0 until Utica rallied back in the fifth inning with Sadie Evans on third, Nicole Rice would then bring her in. With a huge double by the pioneers from Jacqueline Aronin that would bring Utica back and tie the game at 2-2. Houghton would push back nonetheless in the sixth inning and rallied with a single to center field by Haley Unverdorben. A huge double by McKenzie Marti would put both her and Haley Unverdorben in scoring position. Hannah Haskell would show up at the plate for the Highlanders with a single to center field, allowing runners to score.
 
Game 2 Notes

• Katie Jones and Hannah Haskell would lead Houghton with 2 hits
• McKenzie Marti produced the only double for Houghton
• Taylor Sile hits a home run
• Hannah Haskell would produce for the Highlanders with 3 RBIs
• Taylor Sile pitched a good game allowing 7 hits, 2 runs, and 3 strikeouts

 
Coaches Corner
"Another solid outing from our pitching staff and an awesome team performance offensively today! Proud of how they all stepped up in our first conference doubleheader. Another day to work hard and get better tomorrow!" – Head Coach Katie Sinclair
 
Next Game
Houghton continues with conference play tomorrow as they take on the Sage College Gators, home at 1 and 3 p.m.