Despite struggling offensively, the Dowagiac softball team was able to sweep a non-league doubleheader from Niles Thursday.

The Chieftains played good defense and got two solid pitching performances from Megan Soderbloom as Dowagiac defeated the Vikings 2-1 and 5-4 in a preview of the Division 2 district semifinal at Niles May 30.

“We didn’t hit very well tonight, but we played much better defensively with the exception of one inning in the second game when we made three errors that led to three runs,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said. “We had opportunities in both games to score more runs and just couldn’t get the hits to drive them in. They are a much improved team than when we faced them earlier in the year, but I have to give Megan Soderbloom credit for stepping up and pitching two great games for us.”

Soderbloom tossed a three-hitter in the opening game with three strikeouts. In the second game she scattered six hits and got plenty of defensive help from her teammates.

Taylor Hulett was 2-for-3 with a double in the opening game for Dowagiac, while Mickie Kiggins also doubled.

Kylee Myers was 2-for-3 with a triple for the Vikings.

In the nightcap, Soderbloom and Alyssa Allen both doubled for the Chieftains. McKenzie Herter, Kiggins and Soderbloom all drove in runs.

Mackenzie Shields was 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs for the Vikings.

“We went in with a great game plan against Dowagiac and for the most part executed it,” Niles coach Rick McKeel said. “Our pitchers did what we asked them to do. They gave us chances to win both games and we just didn’t get the timely hits we needed.

“It’s tough to lose, especially when we are in a position to win. We did a lot of good things tonight in many facets of the game, but we are looking for wins and that didn’t happen again tonight. That’s been the story of our season so far. It’s disappointing to say the least. I’ve got to do a better job of finding ways for us to win.”

 

DOWAGIAC 2-5, NILES 1-4

At Dowagiac

First Game

Niles                010     000     0 – 1 3 0

Dowagiac        200     000     0 – 2 3 2

Megan Soderbloom (W, 5-5) and Mickie Kiggins; Addison Davies (L, 5-8) and Kylee Myer

2B: Taylor Hulett (D), Kiggins (D)

3B: Myer (N)

 

Second Game

Niles                001     030     0 – 4 6 1

Dowagiac        110     120     x – 5 5 4

Megan Soderbloom (W, 6-5) and Mickie Kiggins; Michelle Crouch (L, 2-9)

2B: Alyssa Allen (D), Soderbloom (D)

HR: Mackenzie Shields (N)

Varsity record: Niles 7-19, Dowagiac 17-13