HOUGHTON, N.Y. – The Hilbert College softball team dropped a non-conference double header at Houghton College tonight under the lights.  The Highlanders outlasted the Hawks by one run in each game, 2-1 and 3-2. 

Rebecca Bailey went 4-for-7 with an RBI while Brittany Cooley scored all three of Hilbert's runs today.

Rachel Allen and Victoria Dzaak battled with eight strike outs yet Houghton collected 15 hits taking the victories.

GAME 1

Bailey singled up the middle scoring Brittany Cooley to start the game.  That 1-0 lead lasted through five and a half innings until Houghton found two runs in the bottom of the sixth.  With a bases loaded and two outs, the Highlands made it home for their tying run off a fielding error and the next batter was hit by pitch sending the runner on third home for the game winner.

Bailey went 2-for-3 with her second hit a long double to center field.

Rachel Allen struck four out, walked three and gave up five hits.

GAME 2

Cooley and Bailey opened the game with singles just before Morgan McNeill hit a double to left center which scored Cooley for Hilbert's first run.

Houghton scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning and held the 2-1 lead until the top of the third inning.  Jenna Castricone singled to left field knocking in Cooley for her second run in the night cap and knotted the game.

The Highlanders tripled and then scored off a single to take the lead back and the eventual victory.

McNeill went 2-for-3 as Cooley and Bailey finished 2-for-4.  Victoria Dzaak struck three out, gave up two earned runs and 10 hits through six innings of work.

Hilbert returns to action Wednesday when they travel to North Buffalo's McCarthy Park to face Medaille College in a Buffalo Cup series beginning at 3pm.