MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Houghton University softball opened its 2026 slate with a pair of tough outings in Melbourne, Fla., falling 13–4 to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in the morning game and later 15–0 to the University of Dubuque. Despite strong efforts from several Highlanders at the plate, Houghton's pitching staff was tagged for a flurry of runs in both contests.
 

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Game 1 — Rose-Hulman 13, Houghton 4 (6 innings)

The Highlanders battled back in the middle innings but couldn't overcome a big early inning by Rose-Hulman. After a scoreless first, Rose-Hulman erupted for six runs in the 2nd, highlighted by multiple RBI knocks that forced Houghton into a deficit.

Houghton offensive highlights:

• Kareena Ulfig delivered a clutch 2-RBI single in the 3rd inning, driving in Sarah McArthur and Phoebe Ruth to cut into the lead.

• Danielle Nelson added an RBI double in the 5th, scoring McArthur.

• Hannah Fish crossed the plate in the 6th on a defensive miscue for the final Highlander run.

• Adelynn Killian paced the Houghton offense with 2 hits.

Pitching & defense:

• Highlander pitchers Rebecca Oates and Abigail Pitts combined for 14 total runs allowed on 13 hits.
   

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Game 2 — University of Dubuque 15, Houghton 0 (6 innings)

In the afternoon session, Dubuque put up a commanding performance from the outset, scoring in every inning and chasing Houghton early. The Spartans tallied 12 runs in the first two frames, effectively putting the game out of reach by the second inning.

Houghton offensive notes:

• The Highlanders managed just 3 hits in the contest, with Kelley Burnett, Hannah Fish, and Rebecca Oates accounting for the only baserunners via hits.

Pitching & defense:

• Houghton's Kareena Ulfig took the loss. Abigail Pitts came on in relief.

The Highlanders are back in action Tuesday with games against Misericordia (2:30 p.m.) and John Carroll (7 p.m.).