Houghton opened Empire 8 play on Monday with a pair of losses to St. John Fisher, falling 6-0 in game one and 13-1 in game two.

Game 1: St. John Fisher 6, Houghton 0

Houghton was limited offensively in the opener, finishing with two hits as the Cardinals pulled away for a 6-0 win.

Kareena Ulfig got the start in the circle and battled through early pressure, allowing runs in each of the first two innings. After a challenging start, Ulfig settled in and worked into the middle innings, continuing to compete against a lineup that consistently put the ball in play. She worked through multiple baserunners and helped keep the deficit from growing further late.

The Highlanders had a few opportunities offensively in the middle innings but were unable to deliver a key hit with runners on base. Despite the result, Houghton's defense steadied as the game progressed, limiting additional scoring chances after the fourth inning.

Game 2: St. John Fisher 13, Houghton 1 (5 innings)

Houghton turned to multiple arms in game two, with Rebecca Oates, Abigail Pitts, and Kareena Ulfig all seeing time in the circle.

Oates made the start, working into the second inning while facing early offensive pressure. Pitts entered in relief and recorded an out before Ulfig closed out the game, providing 2.2 innings of relief and helping to settle things defensively down the stretch.

Offensively, Houghton broke through in the fourth inning. Danielle Nelson came around to score on an RBI double to right-center by Pitts, accounting for the Highlanders' lone run.

Houghton finished with three hits in the game, including contributions from Pitts, Kelley Burnett, and Phoebe Ruth, and continued to compete through the final innings despite the shortened contest.

Next Game

Houghton will return home on Friday to host Geneseo in an Empire 8 doubleheader, with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.