WINTER HAVEN, Fla. The Caldwell University softball team fell short to nationally ranked #4 University of Indianapolis and Hillsdale College in two close contests. The Cougars fell to UIndy 3-2 and came up short to Hillsdale 6-5.
 
In the opening game against UIndy, freshman pitcher Allison Winters (Blairstown, N.J.) tossed a complete game, allowing three runs on eight hits with three strikeouts.
 
The Cougars were held to three hits with senior Maya Rodriguez (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) singled in two runs in the third inning.
 
In the second game against Hillsdale, the Cougars scored three runs over the three innings. In the second inning, junior Courtney Grundhauser (Easton, Pa.) singled in one run, while senior Emma Cooney (Livingston, N.J.) doubled in a run for a 2-0 lead. Freshman Ashleigh Tavaska (Jackson, N.J.) added to the Caldwell lead with a run scoring single in the third.
 
Hillsdale scored two runs in the fourth to close the gap to 3-2. Caldwell added to their lead in the fifth as they took advantage of two errors to extend their lead to 5-2.
 
Hillsdale scored two runs in the sixth and took lead with two runs in the seventh.
 
Senior Kayla Daly (Babylon, N.Y.) tossed six innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on 11 hits, and struck out four to fall to 1-1.
 
The Cougars continue their Florida trip as they face regional foes Southern Connecticut State University and Pace University on Friday, March 18 at DiamondPlex in Winter Haven, Florida.