Host Dowagiac got off to a slow start in both games, but the Chieftains finished with a flurry and swept a non-league softball team from Decatur Tuesday.

Dowagiac won the opener 15-5 in five innings after trailing 4-0. The Chieftains completed the sweep with a 14-8 win.

The Chieftains (2-0) finished with 12 hits in the first game, led by Rily Daly who was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and six RBIs. Taylor Hulett, McKenzie Herter and Carri Raab all had two hits.

Sabrina Ruiz scattered eight hits to pick up the victory.

In the nightcap, Dowagiac had eight hits.

Daly was 3-for-3, all doubles, with seven more RBIs. Kourtney Mitchell, Hulett and Raab all drove in runs.

Hulett picked up the victory in relief of starter Alyssa Allen.

“We were not good tonight running the bases but we made up for it with our bats,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said. “Riley Daly had a nice varsity debut with five doubles, nine RBIs and four runs scored in the doubleheader.

“Freshman Taylor Hulett also had a nice varsity debut with three hits, 4 RBIs, three runs scored and picked up the win in the second game in relief. The main positive tonight is that all 12 girls contributed in some to the two wins and that is what team is all about.”

Dowagiac is back in action Saturday when it hosts the Chieftain Invitational.

 

First game

Decatur      220 01 – 5 8 0

Dowagiac   024 09 – 15 12 4

Sabrina Ruiz (W, 1-0) and Kourtney Mitchell; Curtis (L, 0-1) and Ebberling

2B: Riley Daly (D) 2, Taylor Hulett

3B: Ebberling (Dec.)

 

Second game

Decatur     205 001 0 – 8 8 2

Dowagiac  025 043 x – 14 8 2

Alyssa Allen, Taylor Hullett (W, 1-0) and Kourtney Mitchell; Botti (L), Curtis and Ebberling

2B: Riley Daily (D) 3, Cerven (Dec.)

3B: Cerven (Dec.)

 

Varsity records

Decatur 0-2, Dowagiac 2-0