WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Houghton softball remains winless in 2023 after two losses on Thursday dropped the squad to 0-6 on the season.

The Highlanders opened the day with a 9-1 loss to Neumann before dropping an 11-2 decision to Eastern.

GAME 1 vs. Neumann
After a scoreless first inning, Houghton scored once in the top of the second to take a 1-0 lead. Rachel Scharf lined an RBI single down the left field line to score Carlee Miller from second. Miller had reached base after an error by the third baseman and moved to second on a Chyanne Bushyhead sac bunt.

The 1-0 lead was short-lived, however, as Neumann put all nine of its runs across the plate in the bottom of the third. The home team produced nine hits and took advantage of three walks.

Kayla Loomis picked up the loss, allowing nine runs on 11 hits in three innings. Jen Burrows came on in relief and retired all three batters she face.

At the plate, Lydia Peterson led the way with a 2-for-3 performance.

GAME 2 vs. Eastern
Eastern scored three runs in the top of the second and that's all they would need to earn the victory. But they added six more to the score line in the third before Houghton was able to pull one back in the bottom of the third, thanks to an Elise Swanson double that drove in pinch runner Natalie Cunningham.

Eastern scored two more in the top of the fourth, and Houghton finished the scoring with a lone run in the bottom of the fifth. Miller walked and advanced to third on Swanson's second double of the game. Miller would then score when a Bushyhead liner forced an error by the second baseman.

Burrows got the start on the mound, going three innings and allowing nine runs on nine hits and four walks. Alisabeth Crandall allowed two runs on two hits in two innings of action.

The Highlanders produced four hits in the contest, led by Swanson's two doubles. Miller also had a double.

Houghton returns to action for two more games Friday, taking on the University of Northwestern (Minn.) and Alma College.