Softball Recap: Niles Takes a Loss

Niles extended their losing streak to five on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 3-7 in the process. They took a 9-4 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Otsego Bulldogs. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Vikings of the 5-1 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in April of 2023.

As for Otsego, the victory (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 10-4. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.6 runs on average over those games.

For Otsego's part, Audrey Lingbeek was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off five hits. Lingbeek has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than 11 strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one triple.

In other batting news, Otsego let Madi Dendel and Mariah Weaver run wild. Dendel went 3-for-4 with two RBI and one run, while Weaver went 3-for-4 with one triple and two RBI. Cassie Holland was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one triple and one run.

While Niles had to take the loss, they won't have to wait long to give it another shot: the pair will be back at it again later today.