WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Houghton softball dropped two games Monday at the DiamondPlex in Winter Haven, Fla., to launch the 2023 season.

The Highlanders opened the day with an 8-3 loss to St. Mary's University of Minnesota before closing the day with a 14-3 five-inning loss to Cabrini.

GAME 1 vs. St. Mary's
The Highlanders jumped out early in the opener, plating three runs in the top of the first. Houghton was aided by three walks and a hit batter, but it was the bats of Elise Swanson and Chyanne Bushyhead that droves in the runs. Swanson doubled home Rachel Scharf and Lydia Peterson, and after a Carlee Miller walk, Bushyhead drove home Kristin Keller for a 3-0 lead.

The Cardinals scored once in the bottom of the first and added four more in the second to take control. St. Mary's scored once more in the fourth before closing the scoring with two more runs in the sixth to take the win.

Houghton had its best chance to add more runs in the top of the fourth when they got two more hits and put runners in scoring position at second and third. However, Jennifer Page popped up for the second out and Miller was then thrown out at home for the final out of the inning.

Houghton produced six hits in the game, with Swanson getting the only extra-base hit. 

Kayla Loomis went all six innings, allowing eight runs on five hits and seven walks. She struck out one batter.

GAME 2 vs. Cabrini
Details and stats to come.

The Highlanders return to action for two games Tuesday vs. Chatham (2 p.m.) and Adrian (4:30 p.m.)