After running the gauntlet of ranked teams the last seven days, the Dowagiac softball team started off this week with a sweep of Cass County rival Cassopolis Monday.

The Chieftains defeated the Rangers 14-4 and 11-0. Both games lasted just five innings.

“We played all those great teams last week, so it was nice to come out and get some better swings in and just win a couple of games,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said. “We had some good at-bats against Lakeshore on Saturday and we hit the ball well against South Bend St. Joe, especially later in the game. The third game we definitely hit the ball really well. That continued here today.”

Cassopolis (7-6) got off to a quick start in the opening game as it scored all four of its runs in the first three innings.

Dowagiac tied the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the second and then exploded for six runs in the third inning to open up an 8-4 advantage. Six more runs in the fifth inning ended the contest.

The Chieftains (15-11) finished with 14 hits, including a 3-for-3 performance with a double from Taylor Hulett. Mickie Kiggins, Riley Daly and Alyssa Allen all singled and doubled as well as combining for nine RBIs.

Hannah Whitaker and Marissa Dodd also had two hits and drove in a run.

Hulett picked up the victory as she tossed a one-hitter with five strikeouts.

Rachelle Williams singled and drove in a pair of runs for the Rangers.

In the nightcap, Hulett and Megan Soderbloom combined on a one-hitter. Hulett worked the first two innings before giving way to Soderbloom, who picked up the victory. The two combined for seven strikeouts and no walks.

Dowagiac had 11 more hits in the second game led by Daly with a pair of doubles. She also played every position on the field except for pitcher.

Hulett and Whitaker both finished with two hits. Dodd drove in a pair of runs for the Chieftains.

 

CASSOPOLIS 4-0, DOWAGIAC 14-11

First Game

Cassopolis      202     00 – 4 1 2

Dowagiac        116     06 – 14 13 2

Taylor Hulett (W, 9-4) and Megan Soderbloom; Rachelle Williams (L) and Kayla Rowan

2B: Alyssa Allen (D) 2, Riley Daly (D), Mickie Kiggins (D), Hulett (D), Hannah Whitaker (D)

 

Second Game

Cassopolis      000     00 – 0 1 2

Dowagiac        614     0x – 11 11 1

Taylor Hulett, Megan Soderbloom (W, 4-4) and Mickie Kiggins; Jayna Locke (L), Rachelle Williams (4) and Kayla Rowan

2B: Riley Daly (D) 2

Varsity records: Cassopolis 7-6, Dowagiac 15-11