By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Head coach Jim Arnold said it was 'gut check' time during Saturday's final game against Byron Center.
Trailing 1-0 in the seventh inning, after six tough innings, the Niles softball team knew it was going to take a lot to comeback and tie, or even win the game.
That's when the 'sister act' pulled though.
Jenna Ignowski connected for a double with one out to tie the game. Next, sister Nicole Ignowski put down a bunt, allowing the winning run to come in. The victory allowed the Lady Vikes to claim the Niles Invitational title.
"Whew-What an outstanding comeback," Arnold said. "We didn't panic, We did what we had to do."
Arnold also stated that this win was a great confidence builder for the younger players.
Jenna Ignowski took the win on the mound, throwing 16 strikeouts and allowing no walks. Ignowski is 9-1 on the season.
Brooke Cater suffered the loss for Byron Center.
At the plate, Cricket Fisher, Heather Daniels, Nicole Ignowski, Karly Kennedy, Shelley Aurand and Demi Schrader all had singles for the Lady Vikes.
In the first game of the day, Niles took a 10-4 win over Kalamazoo Central.
Jenna Ignowski was the winning pitcher, throwing 11 strikeouts, while Demi Schrader provided the save.
Patty Gibbs suffered the loss for the Giants.
Top hitters were Ignowski with three hits, including one home run. Fisher had three hits, Kennedy had three hits, including a triple and Schrader also had three hits. Aurand and Daniels each provided two hits, while Erica Gordon had one.
In the second game, Byron Center posted a 10-4 victory over Kalamazoo Central. No other stats were available.
The Lady Vikes, now 10-1 overall, will travel to Battle Creek Lakeview on Tuesday.