Sabrina Ruiz struck out 14 as the Dowagiac softball team split a Wolverine Conference West Division doubleheader with Three Rivers Friday.

The Wildcats won the first game 11-3.

Dowagiac, using a five-run second inning, defeated Three Rivers 9-5 in the nightcap.

The Chieftains’ Courtney Mitchell had three doubles in the two games.

“Three Rivers put on a hitting clinic in the first game and then Sabrina got them to chase some good pitches in the second game to record 14 strikeouts,”  Dowagiac coach Mike Behkne said. “We have to do a better job of coming prepared to play from pitch one of the first game. We didn’t do that this week, losing all three first games. But give the girls credit, they then rebounded to win every second game this week.”

 

First game

Three Rivers              311     000     6 – 11 20 2

Dowagiac                    100     002     0 – 3 7 1

Madi Cornish (W) and Emma Conroy; Taylor Hulett (L, 8-2) and Courtney Mitchell

2B: Molly Hawkins (TR), Britt Klinger (TR), Mitchell (D)

HR: Alyssa Smith (TR)

 

Second game

Dowagiac                    050     020     2 – 9 6 2

Three Rivers              100     004     0 – 5 6 3

Sabrina Ruiz (W, 7-4) and Kourtney Mitchell; Madi Cornish (L), Teah Mauyer (6) and Emma Conroy

2B: Mitchell (D) 2

Varsity record: Dowagiac 15-6