ALFRED, N.Y. – The Houghton University softball team dropped both ends of an Empire 8 doubleheader to Alfred University on Tuesday afternoon, falling 11-3 in the opener before dropping a 17-0 decision in the nightcap.

Game One: Alfred 11, Houghton 3

Houghton's offense showed life in the second inning when they erased an early 3-0 deficit. Following singles by Adelynn Killian and Kaija Peterson, as well as a walk by Hannah Fish, Ella Christ cleared the bases with a three-run double to right-center to tie the game.

However, Alfred regained the lead with four unearned runs in the third and pulled away with a four-run fifth to end the game via the run rule.

• Ella Christ led the Highlanders at the plate, going 1-for-2 with three RBIs.

• Adelynn Killian finished a perfect 2-for-2 with a walk.

• Kareena Ulfig took the loss in the circle, striking out four over 4.2 innings of work.

• The Highlanders were hindered by four defensive errors.

Game Two: Alfred 17, Houghton 0

The nightcap proved difficult for the Highlanders as Alfred exploded for nine runs in the first inning and six more in the second. The Houghton offense was held to just one hit—a double by Kelley Burnett in the first inning.

• Kelley Burnett provided the lone hit for Houghton, finishing 1-for-2.

• Abigail Pitts and Maggie Zastrow each reached base via walks.

• Kareena Ulfig provided three innings of relief, recording four strikeouts while allowing two earned runs.

• Abigail Pitts was credited with the loss.

Houghton (4-20) returns home to face Keuka College in another conference doubleheader this Friday, with games scheduled for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.