PAW PAW — The Dowagiac softball team committed too many mistakes to beat a good team like Paw Paw Thursday.

The Chieftains failed to make the defensive plays when they needed them in falling to the Redskins 4-1 and 10-2 in Wolverine Conference West Division play.

Taylor Hulett took the loss in the opening game, while Megan Soderbloom took the loss in the nightcap.

Riley Daly singled and drove in a run in the opening game for Dowagiac.

In the second game, McKenzie Herter and Mickie Kiggins both doubled, while Soderbloom tripled.

“We need to take a little more pride and our defense and our ability to make plays,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said. “Out of 14 runs given up today only four were earned. That is something we have to learn at practice and to take seriously so we can get better. We have the ability, now we just need to put it all together.”

DOWAGIAC 1-2, PAW PAW 4-10

At Paw Paw

First Game

Dowagiac        100     000     0 – 1 4 1

Paw Paw        000     040     x – 4 5 2

Kayli Bowen (W) and McKenzie Earl; Taylor Hulett (L, 9-5) and Megan Soderbloom

2B: Bowen (PP)

3B: Erica Johnson (PP)

Second Game

Dowagiac        001     100     0 – 2 6 5

Paw Paw        150     022     x – 10 9 2

Kaylie Bowen (W) and McKenzie Earl; Megan Soderbloom (L, 4-5) and Mickie Kiggins

2B: McKenzie Herter (D), Kiggins (D), Lexi Rodgers (PP)

3B: Soderbloom (D)