MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Houghton softball is still searching for its first win of the season after losing twice on Thursday at the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Melbourne, Fla.

The Highlanders lost to Alma 4-1 in the opener and 8-3 to Rose-Hulman in the nightcap.

Against Alma, the Houghton hitters were kept quiet throughout, as they produced just one hit off the bat of Kareena Ulfig. That hit was the key to Houghton's only run in the contest. Ulfig opened the fifth inning with a double, advanced to third on a ground out by Chyanne Bushyhead, and scored on an Alma throwing error.

Ulfig also had a strong showing as the starting pitcher, allowing four runs (just two earned) on seven hits over six innings. She also had two strikeouts and no walks.

Houghton batters finally got going in game two against Rose-Hulman. The Highlanders pounded out 11 hits and produced their highest run total of the young campaign, but it wasn't enough to get the victory.

The Engineers scored two runs each in the second, third and fourth innings to go up 6-0. Houghton responded with a run in the top of the sixth. Lydia Peterson and Keri Wesneski hit back to back singles to open the inning, and after two fielder's choices, Wesneski advance to third and then scored on a single by Kailey Miller.

Two more Rose-Hulman runs in the bottom of the sixth made the score 8-1, but Houghton rallied in the top of the next frame. Jennifer Page opened with a triple to right and scored on a single from Ulfig. Later in the inning, a Carlee Miller single drove in Trinity Copeland, who had come on as a pinch runner for Ulfig.

Three Highlanders (Ulfig, Peterson, Carlee Miller and Kailey Miller) registered two hits apiece, with Wesneski and Hailie Mathews each getting singles. Olivia Carr went the distance on the mound, allowing eight runs on 10 hits, walking one and striking out three.

The Highlanders are back in action Friday with a 10 a.m. contest against Grove City, followed by a 12:15 rematch with Alma.