BERRIEN SPRINGS — The Dowagiac varsity softball team wrapped up its Wolverine Conference West Division schedule with a sweep of host Berrien Springs Thursday.

The Chieftains (22-14, 4-6 West) defeated the Shamrocks 14-2 and 11-1. Both games lasted just five innings.

The Chieftains scored 25 runs on 18 hits and took advantage of five Berrien Springs Errors.

“Our bats are starting to heat up at the right time,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said. “We hit the ball hard tonight and forced them to make plays they couldn’t make. What I am most happy about is we are running the bases better and picking up extra bases which is key to winning close games.”

In the first game, Marrisa Dodd was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Megan Huey and Megan Soderbloom also had two hits. Hannah Whitaker drove in a pair of runs for the Chieftains.

Soderbloom picked up the victory in relief. She struck out nine and allowed just one hit.

In the nightcap, Taylor Hullet tossed a one-hitter with four strikeouts.

Hulett also led the offense as she went 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. McKenzie Herter was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Mickie Kiggins was 2-for-3 with a double. Riley Daly also had a triple.

The Chieftains will wrap up the regular season by hosting Bangor at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

 

DOWAGIAC 14-11, BERRIEN SPRINGS 2-1

First Game

Dowagiac                    042     53 – 14 9 2

Berrien Springs         200     00 – 2 2 1

Taylor Hulett, Megan Soderbloom (W, 2) and Mickie Kiggins; Ashley Pompey (L) and Carlie Elliott

 

Second Game

Dowagiac                    341     30 – 11 8 3

Berrien Springs         010     00 – 1 1 4

Taylor Hulett (W, 10-6) and Megan Soderbloom and Mickie Kiggins; Ashley Pompey (L) and Carlie Elliott

2B: Kiggins (D), McKenzie Herter (D)

3B: Riley Daly (D), Hulett (D)

Varsity record: Dowagiac 22-14, 4-6 West