By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Last year's game was a showdown, and this year's was no different.
The second annual Matty Kurtis Memorial softball game between Niles and Brandywine was held Thursday evening on the Bobcats' home field.
The Vikings were able to keep the traveling trophy as they defeated Brandywine, 1-0. Last year's game was also a 1-0 win for Niles.
The two teams battled the entire seven innings, with the Vikes picking up its only run of the game on the top of the seventh.
Frannie Semrinec's two-out pinch hit single scored Patty Anton, who started the two out rally with a base hit.
Anton singled, while Stephanie Stoops followed with another, leaving both on base and ready to score. Semrinec came up to bat and sent a single to right field, which allowed Anton to score.
Niles held the Bobcats in the bottom of the inning, allowing it to claim the victory.
"This was a huge win for us," Niles head coach Jim Arnold said.
Arnold was even more impressed with the pitching of sophomore Jenna Ignowski, who had a perfect game with 15 strikeouts, no walks and no hits.
"Jenna pitched a perfect game striking out 15 batters and no doubt was spectacular, in total command from the get-go. Jenna's only a sophomore, but pitches like a seasoned veteran," Arnold said.
Ignowski outdueled Bobcats pitcher Kendra Zache, who also had a pretty impressive game.
Zache threw nine strikeouts, allowed five hits and two walks.
"She pitched a great game herself," Arnold said.
Top hitters for the Vikings were Ignowski with two singles, while Anton, Semrinec and Stoops all had one.
Niles is now 20-7 overall, while the Bobcats are 18-6.
Niles will head to Culver Academy on Saturday for an 11 a.m. game.
Brandywine will begin district play on June 2 against Buchanan.
Niles … 1
Brandywine … 0
At Brandywine
Niles 000 000 1 – 1 5 0
Brandywine 000 000 0- 0 0 1
WP – Jenna Ignowski (19-6) and Nicole Ignowski
LP – Kendra Zache (18-6) and Lauren Kachur.
Records: Niles 20-8, Brandywine 18-7.