HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton softball wrapped up its 2023 season with a pair of losses against Utica University. The Highlanders lost 13-4, before losing 5-0 in game two. 

Game 1

Utica scored first in the top of the first, scoring one run. The Pioneers added to their lead, scoring four in the second, third, and fourth inning. 

Houghton scored one in the bottom of the fourth with an Alisabeth Crandall single, scoring Carlee Miller. Utica responded in the top of the fifth, scoring three. The Pioneers put up a strong innings, scoring five in the top of the sixth to break it open. 

Houghton kept battling and scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jen Page tripled, scoring Danielle Nelson and Kristin Keller. Page then scored on a wild pitch. But three runs was not enough to keep the game one going. 

The Highlanders strung 11 hits together in game one. They were led by Jen Page with three hits and Carlee Miller with two. 

Kayla Loomis pitched all six innings. She allowed 14 hits, nine earned runs, four walks, and had two strikeouts. 

Game 2

The Pioneers scored early, in the top of the second, scoring one run. Utica capitalized on their lead in the top of the third, scoring one run with a single up the middle. Another two runs were scored from a double by Utica in the top of the sixth. They finished off the lead by scoring one run in the top of the six and that was enough to keep the Highlanders from taking the last game of the season. 

The Highlanders had six hits from Lydia Peterson, Jen Page, Chyanne Bushyhead, Hannah Chorey, Kristin Keller, and Danielle Nelson. 

Jennifer Burrows went the distance and pitched all seven innings. She allowed eight hits, four earned runs, one walk, and had one strikeout.