UTICA, N.Y. – The Houghton College softball team split a pair of game against Utica College Saturday, May 1. In the final regular-season doubleheader, Houghton dropped a 2-1 decision before rallying back with a 9-6 win over the Pioneers. The Highlanders conclude the season with a record of 6-22 overall and 5-15 in Empire 8 play.
Game 1: Houghton 1, Utica 2
The Highlanders struggled to connect at the plate as they produced a season-low two hits compared to the Pioneer's five. Houghton's lone run came in the fourth when
Grace Thompson smacked a double to right field, to tally her 19th RBI of the season.
Game 1 Notes:
- In addition to Thompson, Carlee Miller produced a hit for the Highlanders
- On the mound, Kayla Loomis earned the starting nod as she gave up two runs, one of which was earned. Despite being sacked with the loss, Loomis threw a season-high six strikeouts.
Game 2: Houghton 9, Utica 6
Houghton came alive offensively in the second bout as it produced a season-best 12 hits with three doubles. After falling to a 2-0 deficit in the first two innings, the Highlanders opened their scoring efforts with a third inning single to center from Haskell to score a pair of runs. Houghton kept the foot on the pedal in the fourth inning when it tallied five runs to push itself ahead 7-3.
Utica would get itself within two after a run off a third base error followed up by a double. The Highlanders were not fazed as it utilized a Miller double to left field to score
Alisabeth Crandall and Thompson.
Game 2 Notes:
- Crandall, Miller, and Elise Swanson each produced a double in the win
- Hannah Haskell remains the team leader in stolen bases as she swiped one from the Pioneers
- Loomis continues to be a workhorse for the Highlanders as she pitched all seven innings to snag the win
- Eight Highlanders produced a hit at the plate, with four having a multi-hit day
