By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Freshman Jenna Ignowski tossed a perfect game in the opener as Niles swept a non-conference doubleheader from host Berrien Springs on Thursday afternoon.
Ignowski did not allow a hit, struck out 17 Lady Shamrocks and did not walk a single battler.
The Lady Vikings defense was flawless behind her.
Niles (14-6) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top half of the first inning. The Lady Vikings scored three more in the fourth inning and two runs in the fifth to complete the scoring.
Niles banged out 17 hits, including three singles by Nellie Coquillard. Ignowski stroked a pair of doubles, while Julie Kater added a double and a single.
The Lady Vikings also got two hits from Cricket Fisher and Lindsay Carey. Annalee Nelson, Stephanee Schrader, Nicole Ignowski, Karly Kennedy, Kayla Gross and Shelley Aurand all finished with a single.
In the nightcap, Niles grabbed a 2-1 lead after an inning of play, but scored three times in the third inning and once in the fifth to complete the sweep.
Kater scattered five hits with three strikeouts.
Niles finished with 10 hits in the second game, led by Schrader and Fisher, both of whom had two singles. Jenna Ignowski had a double, while Coquillard, Nicole Ignowski, Kennedy and Carey all had singles.
The Lady Vikings are back in action on Saturday as they host Culver Academy. Niles will then face cross-town rival Brandywine on Monday and then take on Lakeshore on Tuesday in a Big 16 Conference West Division doubleheader.
First game
Niles 300 320 0 - 8 17 0
Berrien Springs 000 000 0 - 0 0 2
Jenna Ignowski (W, 10-5), Lyndsey Shembarger (L)
2B: Julie Kater (N)
Second game
Niles 203 010 0 - 6 10 2
Berrien Springs 100 000 0 - 1 5 4
Julie Kater (W, 3-1), Kelsey Shembarger (L)
2B: Jenna Ignowski (N)
Record: Niles 14-6, Berrien Springs 11-15