HOUGHTON, N.Y. — The Houghton softball team dropped both ends of an Empire 8 doubleheader to SUNY Poly on Friday, falling 8-0 in five innings in game one and 7-1 in game two.

In the opener, Houghton was limited to just one hit, coming off the bat of Danielle Nelson, who finished 1-for-3 at the plate. The Highlanders showed patience offensively, drawing four walks, including one each from Sarah McArthur, Adelynn Killian, Hannah Fish, and Kaija Peterson.

In the circle, Kareena Ulfig started and struck out two over 2.2 innings, while Abigail Pitts provided 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing no hits and striking out two to close the game.

Game two saw more offensive production from Houghton, as the Highlanders tallied six hits. Angelina Tantillo led the way with a 2-for-3 performance, while Kareena Ulfig, Abigail Pitts, Hannah Fish, and Maggie Zastrow each added a hit.

Houghton's lone run came in the third inning when Phoebe Ruth scored on an RBI single from Ulfig.

Pitts went the distance in the circle in game two, tossing six innings and striking out three, while Ulfig worked a scoreless seventh inning in relief.

The Highlanders return to action on Saturday when they host Utica for another Empire 8 doubleheader, with first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Houghton Softball Field.