By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - It looked as though Niles' varsity softball team was going to pick up a win Wednesday evening at home against South Bend John Adams, but in the end the Vikings suffered a 14-2 loss to the Eagles.
Niles started the game ahead 2-0 in the first two innings, but Adams scored its first run in the top of the third and added another six in the top of the fourth to put it up 7-2.
Over thrown balls, missed grounders and miscommunication were only a few of the small fundamental mistakes that gave Niles big problems on defense and the Eagles took advantage of every one of them.
Adams was able to score seven more runs before the game ended, giving it the 14-2 win.
Julie Kater was the losing pitcher for the Vikes against Laura Magliotti. Kater, now 5-13, pitched five innings and gave up six hits and 10 runs.
Kylee Mudd took over in the fifth inning also giving up six hits, four runs and getting one strike out.
Top hitters for the Vikings were Kate Whittaker going 1-for-3 with a triple and a RBI and Stephanee Schrader, Lindsay Carey, Kylee Mudd and Karly Kennedy all going 1-for-3 at the plate.
The Vikes, now 8-20 overall, will host Berrien Springs today at Vella Park for a doubleheader set to begin at 4:30 p.m.