COLUMBUS – The Capital University softball team was unable to generate any momentum at the plate Tuesday, falling in consecutive games by a combined three runs against Muskingum in an Ohio Athletic Conference doubleheader at Clowson Field.

The Crusaders (13-9 overall, 2-4 OAC) fell 2-0 in the opener before suffering a 1-0 defeat in Game 2.

In the opener, Capital out-hit the Muskies (12-8, 5-1) by an 8-6 margin, but left 10 runners on base, including three in scoring position in its final two at-bats. Muskingum registered one run each in the fourth and sixth frames.

Junior left fielder LeAnna Cotton (Okeechobee, Fla.) registered three hits – all singles – to lead the Crusaders. Sophomore shortstop Therese Becker (South Euclid, Ohio) contributed with two hits, while sophomore catcher Sarah Nist (North Canton, Ohio) and junior first baseman Maura Rose (Williamsport, Pa.) each tallied a hit.

Junior pitcher Brooke Billings (Clyde, Ohio) surrendered just one unearned run while striking out six in the complete-game loss, dropping to 5-4 on the year.

In the nightcap, Capital finished with four hits compared with three for Muskingum, but stranded seven runners on the base paths.

Junior pitcher Alyssa Patznick (Newark, Ohio) was solid on the mound, but was dealt the loss to fall to 8-4 on the season despite allowing just three hits and one run in seven innings of work.

Sophomore second baseman Brooklyn Staten (Grove City, Ohio) led the offense with a pair of hits. Sophomore third baseman Katlyn Simpson (Loudonville, Ohio) and freshman designated player Marisa Koss (Ostrander, Ohio) recorded a hit apiece.

The Muskies plated the lone run of the affair in the top of the fourth on a solo home run. The Crusaders nearly responded in the bottom half of the inning, but left runners on second and third.

Capital looks to rebound this Thursday in non-conference play at Kenyon. First pitch of the doubleheader in Gambier, Ohio, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.