STEVENSVILLE — The Dowagiac softball team turned in its best performance of the season against two-time defending Division 2 state champion Lakeshore Lancers in the opening game of its doubleheader Monday afternoon.

Despite having just one hit, the Chieftains (2-5) lost to the Lancers just 5-0. Lakeshore completed the sweep with a 10-0 win in the five-inning nightcap.

“We played our best game of the year tonight in game one of the doubleheader,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said. “After not making any plays or even know wherer the ball was going against Berrien Springs Saturday, we came back and made plays tonight and knew what to do with the ball when it was hit to us.

“Sierra Herter probably played her best games at third base tonight making plays and even a couple from her knees. Two losses are never good, but we did improve from Saturday and we can move forward with that.”

Shelby Hustpon had the lone hit for Dowagiac in the first game. Herter was 1-for-2 with a double in the nightcap.

First game

Dowagiac 000 000 0 – 0 1 3

Lakeshore 100 040 x – 5 7 0

Megan Hiler (W) and Becca Meyer; Taylor Meiser (L) and Kourtney Mitchell

Second game

Dowagiac 000 00 – 0 2 4

Lakeshore 001 63 – 10 12 0

Haley Thiebeauth (W) and Becca Meyer; Katie Ward (L) and Kourtney Mitchell

2B: Sierra Herter (D)

Varsity record

Dowagiac 2-5