BERRIEN SPRINGS – The Dowagiac varsity softball team improved to 20-10 on the season with a sweep of host Berrien Springs on Wednesday afternoon.

The Chieftains defeated the Shamrocks 10-1 and 4-0 to run their winning streak to 14 games.

Dowagiac pounded out 12 hits in the opening game, led by Katie Lorenz, who went 3-for-3 with a double, a triple and an RBI.

Sierra Herter was 4-for-5 with an RBI, while Devin Ownby had a triple and Miranda East a pair of hits.

East picked up the victory and is now 10-5 on the season. She allowed five hits with six strikeouts and just one walk.

In the nightcap, Tara Sova tossed a three-hitter with five strikeouts and no walks as she improved to 10-5 as well.

Lorenz continued her hot hitting as she was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI.

Kiele Belew was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Torie Lowe drove in two runs.

“I was impressed with her hitting, but more importantly, she is starting to field the ball really well and that’s what we need out of her,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said. “Sierra Herter’s another one who has really stepped up and been a top hitter for us. She is playing some pretty good defense too.”

First game
Dowagiac 301 032 1 – 10 12 1
Berrien Springs 100 000 0 – 1 5 1
Miranda East (W, 10-5) and Torie Lowe
Jackie Pitone and Downey
2B: Katie Lorenz (D), Rachael Bailey (D)
3B: Lorenz (D), Devon Ownby (D)

Second game
Dowagiac 100 001 2 – 4 9 1
Berrien Springs 000 000 0 – 0 3 2
Tara Sova (W, 10-5) and Torie Lowe
Jackie Pitone and Marren
2B: Lorenz (D) 2, Davis (BS), Embers (BS)
Varsity record
Dowagiac 20-10