HOUGHTON, N.Y. — A late-inning power surge was not enough to overcome Utica University's offensive barrage as the Houghton Highlanders dropped both ends of a softball doubleheader, 14-1 and 18-5, on Saturday.
Despite the losses, the Highlanders showed life in the second game, highlighted by a five-run fifth inning. The team now prepares for another conference test on the road.
Game 1: Utica 14, Houghton 1
The Highlanders jumped out to an early lead in the first inning but were unable to keep pace with Utica's 14-hit performance.
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Houghton Offense: Sarah McArthur led off the bottom of the first with a double and scored the Highlanders' only run of the game on a groundout by Kareena Ulfig. The team was held to three hits total.
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Houghton Pitching: Kareena Ulfig pitched 6.2 innings, allowing 14 hits and 11 earned runs while striking out two. Abigail Pitts entered in relief, retiring the side to finish the game.
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Houghton Player Stats:
Game 2: Utica 18, Houghton 5
Houghton showed significant offensive life in the nightcap, highlighted by a five-run fifth inning, before Utica pulled away late.
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Houghton Offense: After being held scoreless for four innings, the Highlanders rallied in the fifth. Sarah McArthur hit a two-run home run, followed shortly by a three-run home run from Kelley Burnett to cut the deficit to 7-5.
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Houghton Pitching: Abigail Pitts started and pitched 5.1 innings, striking out three while allowing 12 earned runs. Rebecca Oates faced four batters in relief. Kareena Ulfig returned to the circle to pitch the final 0.2 innings, allowing one hit and no earned runs.
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Houghton Player Stats:
Looking Ahead
Houghton (4-18; 1-13 E8) will look to bounce back on Tuesday, April 21, when they travel to face Alfred University. The doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m
