NILES — In what very well could have been a preview of the Division 2 district semifinals in South Haven next month, host Niles and Edwardsburg squared off in a high school classic Thursday.

With dominating pitching, great defense and outstanding hitting, the Eddies and Vikings split the non-conference doubleheader.

Niles won the opening game 3-1 behind the pitching of freshman Mya Syson, who allowed just three hits while striking out 15.

Edwardsburg rebounded to win the nightcap 2-1.

In the opener, Edwardsburg pitcher Ashley Pion was equally as impressive as she scattered eight hits while striking out 11 and walking just one.

Niles scored a run in the fourth inning and twice in the sixth to open up a 3-0 lead on the Eddies, who averted the shutout with a run in the seventh.

Reese Davies was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI for the Vikings.

Taylor Altergott also doubled.

Ella Castelucci, Kaitlynne Allen and Alyssa Gearhart all had singles for the Eddies.

In the second game, the Eddies finished with seven hits, including two each by Allen and Vanessa Mayou. Carly Tittle, who was the winning pitcher, doubled.

Kelsey Barkman, Aynslee Myer and Rachel Moore all had two hits for the Vikings.

Brandywine softball

The Bobcats split of pair of games against River Valley Thursday.

The Bobcats won the opening game 2-0, but dropped the nightcap 8-6.

The Bobcats scored both of their runs in the fourth inning.

Nicole Sachman doubled to open the inning and came around to score along with Delani Nelson, who drew a walk on a single by Kennedy Bryd.

Brandywine finished with just four hits, but made the most of them.

Byrd worked the first five innings to record the victory as she did not give up a run on five hits with three strikeouts and no walks.

Haley Scott worked the final two innings to earn the save. She gave up two hits with a strikeout and no walks.

The Mustangs rebounded to win the nightcap as they scored four in the fourth inning and then single runs in the fourth and fifth to open up an 6-2 lead. River Valley added two more in the seventh inning.

Emma Springer was 3-for-4 for the Mustangs with a grand slam and five RBIs.

Taylor Volstorf and Madi Vollman both finished with a pair of hits.

The Bobcats had 11 hits in the contest, including a two-run home run by Byrd.

Nelson was 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Sachman had a pair of hits. Alexis Rhodes was 3-for-4.

Nelson took the loss as she worked four innings, allowing six hits with four strikeouts and no walks.

Byrd and Scott also pitched for the Bobcats.

Brandywine travels to Parchment Tuesday.