HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton softball continued its struggles in Empire 8 action, losing twice to Sage on Saturday. The Highlanders lost 9-6, before losing 8-1 in game two. 

Game 1 

The Gators scored quickly with a solo home run in the top of the first. The Highlanders responded with a Carlee Miller solo shot to tie it up at 1. Sage took the lead back in the top of the third, scoring five runs. 

In the top of the fourth, another solo home run from the Gators, brought the score to 7-1. They scored two more runs in the top of the seventh, making it 9-1. 

But the Highlanders did not give up. Alisabeth Crandall singled, scoring Elise Swanson. The Highlanders had second and third with two outs, and Hannah Chorey scored on a passed ball. Lydia Peterson reached first on an error, scoring Kristin Keller and Breona Jones. Jen Page came up and doubled, scoring Danielle Nelson. But Houghton couldn't keep it going and brought the score to 9-6. 

Kayla Loomis pitched all seven innings. She allowed 12 hits, four earned runs, two walks, and had five strikeouts. 

Game 2 

The game started off with a defensive battle until the top of the third when the Gators had a three-run home run to take the lead. Sage increased their lead by one in the top of the fourth. 

Carlee Miller had her second home run of the day in the bottom of the fourth to score the Highlanders only run in the game. The Gators had two more home runs in the sixth and seventh inning, bringing the final score to 8-1. 

Houghton had five hits. Jen Page and Kristin Keller each had a double. Kayla Loomis got the start and pitched four innings. Loomis allowed six hits, three earned runs, one walk, with five strikeouts. Alisabeth Crandall came in to pitch the last three innings for Houghton. Crandall allowed six hits, four earned runs, one walk, and had three strikeouts. 

Houghton softball is back at home against Alfred State for a single game on Tuesday, May 2 at 5 p.m.