HOUGHTON, NY – Freshman Aubrin Smith singled in the top of the seventh inning allowing sophomore Alexa Rossi to score from second base for the eventual game-winning run as the Nazareth College softball team won a 3-2 decision over Houghton College in the first game of the Empire 8 doubleheader Saturday. The Highlanders rebounded to post a 10-0 victory in the nightcap as the teams split the doubleheader.

Houghton (10-18 overall, 5-7 E8) took the early 2-0 lead in the opening game with two runs in the first inning.

Nazareth (8-14, 2-4) scored once in the third and once in the fourth to tie the score.

In the third, Smith led off the inning with a walk and stole second to move into scoring position. She advanced to third on a wild pitch and raced home on a sacrifice fly by fellow freshman Allison Smith.

In the fourth, senior Madison Joseph beat out an infield single to start the inning and junior Kristen Simmons walked to put two runners on base. They each advanced a base on a passed ball and Joseph scored when freshman Sarah Simmons singled through the right side of the infield to tie the game.

Sophomore Gabriella Corasaniti pitched the complete game for the victory allowing just five hits with two strike outs and no walks.

In game two, Houghton exploded for seven runs in the first inning and added a run in the third and two more in the fourth while the Highlander pitcher surrendered just one hit to the Golden Flyers. The lone hit was a double by senior Marissa Tortora.

The Golden Flyers return to action Tuesday afternoon for a home non-conference doubleheader against Buffalo State and then play two more non-league games Thursday against Alfred State also at home.