MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Houghton softball got its 2024 season underway at the USSSA Space Coast Complex on Monday, losing a double-header to the University of Ft. Lauderdale.

The Highlanders dropped game one, 5-0, and went down in game two, 5-1.

In the opener, the Eagles scored solo runs in the second and third innings, before adding three more in the fifth. Houghton managed just three hits, coming off the bats of Danielle Nelson, Chyanne Bushyhead and Hailie Mathews. Olivia Carr got the start on the mound in her Houghton debut, going five innings while allowing five runs on six hits, striking out three and walking four. Alisabeth Crandall pitched two innings of relief and allowed no hits or runs.

In the nightcap, Ft. Lauderdale opened with two runs in the bottom of the first, added two more in the fourth and the final tally in the fifth. The Highlanders got their only run in the sixth when Nelson blasted her first homer of the season. The Highlander bats were more effective in this game as they belted out seven hits. Adelynn Killian led the way with a 2 for 3 showing, with Jennifer Page, Bushyhead, Nelson, Mathews and Victoria Quintana each getting a hit. Page also added a stolen base.

On the mound, it was freshman Kareena Ulfig getting the nod. She went the distance, allowing five runs on 12 hits, while striking out three and walking one.

"Our losses today reflected a lack of sharpness, and some missed details. As a team, we have the opportunity to come back tomorrow, bring the same energy and focus, but clean up the details that we should have been in charge of," said Head Coach Chad Muise.