PORTAGE — The Niles softball team split a pair of SMAC games with host Portage Northern Tuesday.

The Vikings (4-5) behind and 18 hit attack, defeated the Huskies 13-8 in the opening game. Portage Northern rebounded to win the nightcap 11-1 in six innings.

Addison Davies (3-1) picked up the victory.

Delaney Shields had three hits, including a triple, while Morgan Altergott added two hits, including a double for Niles.

Kylee Myer, Megan McKeel, Taylor Gibson and Davies all finished with two hits.

“We came out and hit the ball very well in game one and Addison Davies continues to improve in picking up the win,” Niles coach Rick McKeel said. “I was pleased with how we hit the ball in game one with six of our nine players having multi-hit games.”

In the nightcap, a seven-run fifth inning broke open a close game for the Huskies.

Michelle Crouch took the loss for the Vikings and drops to 1-3 on the season.

Altergott doubled for Niles, which finished with just two hits.

“In game two we struggled with their pitcher Verduzco and managed only two hits, while Portage Northern hit three home runs in both games,” McKeel said. “That is an area that we must get better at. For us to be successful, we need to keep the ball down and limit the big innings, hit well and play solid defense. We did that pretty well in game one, but not so well in game two.”

 

NILES 13-1, PORTAGE NORTHERN 8-11

First Game

Niles                125     303     2 – 13 18 0

Northern        310     021     1 – 8 11 0

Addison Davies (W, 3-1), Michelle Crouch (6) and Kylee Myer; Lexi Hughes (PN) and Hannah Powers

2B: Morgan Altergott (N)

3B: Delaney Shields (N)

HR: Paige Poulter (PN), Gabby Grooten (PN), Powers (PN)

 

Second Game

Niles                000     010 – 1 2 1

Northern        002     171- 11 8 1

Lizzy Verduzco (W) and Hannah Powers; Michelle Crouch (L, 1-3), Tegan Bays (5) and Kylee Myer

2B: Morgan Altergott (N)

3B: Powers (PN), Chelsie Elden (PN)

HR: Kailee Tange (PN), Gabby Grooten (PN) 2

Varsity record: Niles 4-5