ALFRED, N.Y. - Kayla Loomis threw a no-hitter to propel Houghton softball to its fourth win of the season, as the Highlanders split a doubleheader with Alfred State on the road Thursday. Behind Loomis's gem on the mound, the Highlanders won the opener, 11-0, before losing 9-1 in the nightcap. 

Game 1 

The Highlanders had a great first game against the Pioneers, winning 11-0, providing plenty of runs to support Loomis's strong showing on the mound. The Highlanders scored in the top of the second with a Danielle Nelson two-run home run, the first of her college career. Houghton added to its lead in the top of the fourth with a Jennifer Page bunt and an Elise Swanson double. Houghton kept the runs coming in the top of the fifth, scoring six times. The Highlanders scored their runs with Danielle Nelson and Rachel Scharf singles, walks, and sacrifice hits. 

Loomis pitched all five innings with eight strikeouts and three walks. 

Game 2 

The Highlanders fell in game two, 9-1. The Pioneers came out strong in the first two innings, scoring seven runs. Houghton got their only run from a Lydia Peterson single, scoring Danielle Nelson. The Pioneers capitalized on their lead in the third and fourth inning, scoring two runs.

Alisabeth Crandall got the start, pitching three innings, allowing 11 hits, eight earned runs, one walk, and one strikeout. Jennifer Burrows came into pitch in the top of the fourth, allowing one run and two hits. 

The Highlanders are back in action at home against Nazareth College, for their first conference doubleheader on Saturday, April 8 at 1 and 3 p.m.