MISHAWAKA — At times the 2015 Niles varsity softball season has been a struggle.

But Wednesday afternoon the Vikings picked up a signature victory over a good Mishawaka Marian team.

Visiting Niles scored two runs in the sixth inning to pull out a 2-1 victory to improve to 10-19 on the season.

“Huge win for our young ladies tonight.” Niles coach Rick McMeel said. “We have worked hard in practice on getting out of jams and learning to win innings and games, tonight it paid off. We hit the ball but right at them, we only had one hit and they stole two hits with diving catches in the outfield. Tonight we put the ball in play and they made one mistake and we capitalized on it.”

Niles twice escaped bases loaded jams, including one with no outs.

“Michelle Crouch was outstanding on the mound tonight and pitched her heart out,” McKeel said. “The girls rallied behind her and made plays.”

Morgan Altergott drew a one-out walk to start the sixth inning rally.

Tegan Bays reached base on an error, while Kylee Myer hit into a fielder’s choice play where everyone was safe and loaded the bases for the Vikings.

With two outs, Michelle Crouch hit a ball to the Marian shortstop whose throw drew the first baseman off the bag. Myer continued rounded third and was sent home, beating the throw with what would be the winning run.

“Marian is a good team,” McKeel said. “They were 15-6 heading into this contest and we did the things it takes to win ball games. Solid pitching, solid defense, put the ball in play and put pressure on the opponent to make mistakes. This was a huge win for our program. We’re coming off three come-from-behind victories now in our last four games. I’m so happy for our girls, they work so hard and deserve all the credit.”

 

Niles                000     002     0 – 2 1 2

Marian            000     010     0 – 1 7 2

Michelle Crouch (W); Shannon McCarty (L)

2B: McCarty (M)

Varsity records: Marian 15-7, Niles 10-19