ST. JOSEPH — The Dowagiac softball team was swept by St. Joseph Monday afternoon in a non-conference doubleheader.

The Bears won the opening game 16-7 and then completed the sweep with a 10-0 win in six innings.

Dowagiac (5-9) had just five hits in the opening game, led by Kristyn Turner, who was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Rachel Bailey doubled and drove in two runs, while Katie Lorenz also picked up an RBI.

Miranda East (2-5) took the loss.

In the nightcap, St. Joseph pounded out 12 hits as Tara Sova (3-4) suffered the loss.

The Chieftains again had just five hits, led by Bailey, who was 2-for-3 with a double. Devon Ownby was also 2-for-3.

“We actually hit the ball pretty well tonight off two really good St. Joe pitchers,” Dowagiac coach Mike Benhke said. “In the second game we just couldn’t string any hits together to score runs when we got on base. Our defense is letting us down. We are making way too many errors to win ball games.”

First game

Dowagiac 120 022 0 – 7 5 7

St. Joseph 602 314 x – 16 15 1

Rachel Knapp (W) and Colby Whittman

Miranda East (L, 2-5) and Devon Ownby

2B: Rachel Bailey (D), Katie Mavis (SJ) 2, Erika Priebe (SJ)

Second game

Dowagiac 000 000 – 0 5 3

St. Joseph 203 023 – 10 12 0

Sam Helsley (W) and Colby Whittman

Tara Sova (L, 3-4) and Devon Ownby

2B: Rachel Bailey (D), Helsley (SJ), Emily Ehrenberg (SJ)

3B: Katie Mavis (SJ)

Varsity record: Dowagiac 5-9