A five-run fifth inning propelled the Niles softball team to a season-opening 8-1 victory over visiting River Valley Friday.

The Vikings (1-0) and Mustangs (0-1) were scoreless through two and a half innings before the Vikings exploded for five runs in the third.

Brooke Timm got the inning going with a double. With one out, Caitlyn Daly walked and Kelsey Barkman loaded the bases with a bunt single setting the table for Aynslee Meyer, who drew a walk and drove in the first run of the game.

Hannah Albright followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0. Taylor Gibson walked to drive in the third run, while the fourth run scored on an error by the Mustangs’ third baseman.

Taylor Altergott singled to make it 5-0.

Niles added two more runs in the fourth inning as Daly grounded out to the pitcher driving a run and Barkman grounded out to store the game’s seventh run.

Barkman, who finished 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs, made it 8-1 with an RBI single.

River Valley scored its lone run in the top half of the fifth inning on a solo home run.

Timm went the distance, allowing one run on two hits. She struck out 14 and did not walk a batter.

“It was a great way to start off our season,” said Niles coach Rick McKeel. “Brooke (Timm) threw well and Caitlyn Daly called a great game. We didn’t really hit as well as I expected but we managed to score eight runs with some timely hitting.”

Timm also had two hits, while Albright had a pair of RBIs.

Niles is set to scrimmage Brandywine Wednesday.

 

NILES 8, RIVER VALLEY 1

At Niles

River Valley   000   010   0 – 1 2 3

Niles                 005   201   x – 8 8 1

Emma Whitlow (L), Madison Vollman (3), Emma Springer (6); Brooke Timm (W).

2B: Brooke Timm (N).

HR: Madison Vollman (RV).

Varsity records: River Valley 0-1, Niles 1-0.