By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Jenna Ignowski's 17 strikeouts and Nicole Ignowski's game-winning hit in the first of two games allowed the Niles varsity softball team to take a 1-0 victory over host Mattawan Wednesday evening.
The Vikes also won the second game, 3-0.
The game was a make-up from Tuesday.
Head coach Jim Arnold was pleased with the performance of the two sisters.
"Once again it was the 'sister act' in full swing. I thought Jenna had great command of all her pitches. We had a nice two out rally in the fourth, with Nicole getting a big base hit for what proved to be the game winner," Arnold said.
Nicole Ignowski's hit was the only one in the first game, as Wildcat pitcher Kelly Hirst threw 13 strikeouts.
Jenna Ignowski threw 13 strikeouts in the second game.
Hirst again suffered the loss and struggled in the circle.
"Their pitcher started to tire and we took advantage of that," Arnold said.
Shelley Aurand hit her first home run of the season for the Vikes. She also had a single to account for two RBIs.
Patty Anton singled and scored three runs on wild pitches.
"Two big wins from a very talented team that we needed desperately," Arnold added.
The Wildcats are a Division II honorable mention in the latest coaches poll.
The Vikings and the Bobcats will meet tonight at Brandywine High School for a single game that will begin at 4:30 p.m.