Houghton softball went 1-3 in two doubleheaders on the weekend. The Highlanders split with Nazareth on the road Friday before losing both games of a two-game series at home vs. St. John Fisher on Saturday.

Against the Golden Flyers, the Highlanders lost 6-4 and won 11-3 on Friday.

The Cardinals beat Houghton 9-5 and 11-7 on Saturday.

Friday vs. Nazareth
Game 1
Houghton fell behind 3-1 after the first inning and trailed 6-2 after four. In the fifth inning, Carlee Miller had a two-run RBI single to pull the Highlanders within two, but that's all the runs they would get for the rest of the contest.

The game featured three homers, with Houghton's Hannah Haskell getting her second of the week. The senior led the team with a 2 for 3 performance and scored two runs. Kristin Keller also had two hits.

Kayla Loomis went the distance, allowing six runs on eight hits.

Game 2
As has been the case for most of the season, Houghton bounced back in the second game of the DH to claim victory. Offensively, the Highlanders produced 14 hits and stole six bases. The visitors fell behind 2-1 after the first inning but responded with two runs in the third and four in the fourth to go up 7-3. They tacked on four more runs over the final three innings to claim the win.

Lydia Peterson, Hannah Haskell and Barb Richert each finished 3 for 5 with three RBI and two runs scored to lead the attack. Carlee Miller and Chyanne Bushyhead had two hits apiece.

Jen Burrows and Kayla Loomis split time on the mound, combining to scatter 11 hits over seven innings. Houghton was aided by six Nazareth errors.

Saturday vs. St. John Fisher
Game 1
Houghton is still looking for its first win against the Cardinals since joining the Empire 8. The losing stretch reached 20 games after Saturday's two losses.

But the Highlanders were in both games and showed they are much improved and able to compete with the top teams in the conference.

Kristin Keller led Houghton at the plate with a 3 for 3 performance as the Highlanders totaled seven hits in the contest, including four doubles. Houghton got runs in the first, fifth and sixth innings, but a five-run fifth by the visitors did most of the damage and staked them to an 8-1 lead.

Kayla Loomis allowed nine runs on 12 hits to take the loss.

Game 2
In the second game, the Highlanders fell behind 7-1 after the first two innings and got four in the third to pull within striking distance. The inning was highlighted by three hits, including RBI singles from Lydia Peterson and Hannah Haskell. Haskell also stole home for the final run of the frame.

The fifth and sixth innings saw the Cardinals score four more runs, while Houghton added another run in the fifth and two in the seventh to close the scoring.

Peterson, Haskell and Grace Thompson each produced two hits to lead the hosts. Barb Richert had three RBI on one hit.

Jen Burrows pitched one inning, allowing five runs on three hits and a walk. Loomis came on in relief midway through the second inning and allowed six runs on 10 hits, while walking one and striking out four.

After the weekend contests, Houghton is now 15-14 overall and 3-5 in the conference. The Highlanders return to action for a home doubleheader vs. Alfred on Thursday at 3 and 5 p.m.