SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Niles softball team dropped a pair of games at the Clay Invitational on Saturday.

The Vikings lost to host Clay 8-3 and then were defeated by LaPorte 8-6.

A six-run third inning proved to be the difference against Clay.

Niles and Clay both finished with three hits, however, the Vikings had four errors that led to seven unearned runs.

Brooke Wilson, who took the loss, Brittney Buti and Ashley Evans all had singles for Niles.

In the second game, the Vikings (7-16) trailed 8-1 before a five-run sixth inning closed the gap.

Niles was unable, however, to overcome the early deficit.

The Vikings had 11 hits in the contest, led by Hannah Porterfield’s triple, single and RBI.

Wilson had two hits and a pair of RBIs. Sarah Cramer added two singles.

Heather Daniels took the loss for the Vikings.

First game
Niles 000 002 1 – 3 3 4
Clay 016 001 x – 8 3 0
Melissa Bash (W) and Chelsea Millaway
Brooke Wilson (L), Heather Daniels and Hannah Porterfield
Varsity record: Clay 5-14

Second game
Niles 010 005 0 – 6 11 1
LaPorte 201 410 x – 8 10 2
Meg Bunch (W)
Heather Daniels (L) and Hannah Porterfield
3B: Jessica Craft (L), Porterfield (N)
HR: Jess Kraft (L)
Varsity records: Niles 7-16, LaPorte 16-7