KALAMAZOO — After facing some of the toughest teams in the SMAC over the past two plus weeks, the Niles softball team finally ran into a team it could take its frustrations out on.

Unfortunately for Kalamazoo Central, the Vikings had a lot of frustration.

Niles (7-15) defeated the Maroon Giants 12-2 and 12-2 in SMAC non-divisional action Thursday.

“The girls have been working hard, played St. Joe well Wednesday night and deserved to get these wins,” Niles coach Rick McKeel said. “We started a little slow offensively, but eventually the bats came around we had 15 hits in game one and 16 hits in game two. Our goal was for our pitchers to finish the game strong not allowing big innings late in the game.

“Tonight we only allowed one run total in both games in innings four through six. Tonight they closed the deal in the sixth inning in both games, which is a positive for us. All credit goes to our kids, it’s been a tough season and they still keep fighting.”

In the first game, Addison Davies tossed a four-hitter.

Holly Walker homered for the Vikings, who also got doubles from Tegan Bays, Kylee Myer, Morgan Altergott, Madison Scheider and Taylor Gibson.

In the nightcap, Michelle Crouch also tossed a four-hitter.

Mackenzie Shields hit a home run for Niles.

 

NILES 12-12, KALAMAZOO CENTRAL 2-2

At Kalamazoo

First Game

Central           100     001 – 2 4 2

Niles                110     118 – 12 15 2

Abby Seller (L); Addison Davies (W)

2B: Tegan Bays (N), Kylee Myer (N), Morgan Altergott (N), Madison Schneider (N), Taylor Gibson (N)

HR: Holly Walker (N)

 

Second game

Central           002     000 – 2 4 1

Niles                007     014 – 12 16 2

Sara Gries (L); Michelle Crouch (W)

2B: Talia Edmonds (KC)

HR: Mackenzie Shields (N)

Varsity records: Niles 7-15