From staff reports

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – An 11-run fourth inning and a 13-0 deficit was too much for the Niles varsity softball team to overcome on Thursday.

The Vikings dropped to 0-3 on the season following a 13-1 loss in five innings at the hands of host South Bend Washington.

Washington scored a single run in both the second and third innings, but then exploded for 11 runs in the fourth inning to take a 13-0 lead on Niles.

The Vikings averted the shutout with a run in the top half of the fifth, but could not extend the game.

Washington (3-3) finished with 12 hits off of Heather Daniels, who struck out two and walked nine.

Niles finished with five hits, led by Larkin Carey’s double.

Daniels, Charissa Speak, Brittney Buti and Abby McKeel all singled.

Niles will travel to Dowagiac on Saturday to take part in the Chieftain Invitational. Play is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. (see related story this page)

Niles 000 01 – 1 5 1

Washington 011 (11)x – 13 12 0

WP – M. Szarwark and C.J. Miller

LP – Heather Daniels and Sophie Nielsen)

2B: Larkin Carey (N)

Varsity records: Niles 0-3, Washington 3-3

JV softball
The Niles junior varsity softball team was also defeated by South Bend Washington on Thursday, 15-5.

Brea Haines, Starr Ford and Amanda Albright each had two hits for the Vikings, while Courtney Jordan, Amanda Albright, Michelle Briand and Brynna Krestchmer all had an RBI.

Courtney Jordan took the loss for Niles.

The Vikings are now 1-2 on the season.