South Bend Adams softball rallies to edge rival Riley

SOUTH BEND — It was both the small and the big that combined to earn the South Bend Adams softball team a much-needed win Tuesday, May 12. The Eagles used a smart dose of small ball and a big display of guts in the circle by pitcher Abigail Kadar to spoil Senior Night for city and conference rival South Bend Riley. Adams used the bunt to perfection to open the game and again to help plate the winning run late for a thrilling, energy packed 3-2 Northern Indiana Conference victory over the host Wildcats.

Sophomore Kadar was nails in the circle in less-than-ideal weather conditions, as the contest was played in a steady rain that turned heavier late in the contest. The Eagles snapped a six-game losing skid to improve to 8-9-1 overall and move to 5-4 in the NIC. The Wildcats dropped to 8-11 overall and 1-7 in NIC action with their fourth straight loss.

More: All South Bend area IHSAA boys volleyball sectional results, stats More softball: Penn prevails over Elkhart in clash of conference softball powers The Eagles, who's dugout was loud all game, simply found a way to win. Adams tied the game 2-2 with a single run in the sixth inning on a Riley throwing error. The Eagles then used three straight bunts to score the game winner in their final at bat in the seventh frame.

Sophomore Claire McNally reached on a perfect bunt to start the inning. Sophomore Brooklyn Young then followed with a fine sacrifice bunt and freshman Gabby Vandewielle capped it with another gorgeous bunt that saw McNally race home as the throw to first was not handled. "That felt good," said a smiling Jami Redman, coach of the Eagles.