Watervliet Public Schools

Watervliet Panthers dropped the nightcap of their doubleheader with Dowagiac, falling 14-6 after a tough seventh inning. The Panthers carried a 6-5 lead into the top of the seventh, but defensive struggles proved costly as Dowagiac erupted for nine runs. Watervliet committed eight errors in the game, including six in the final inning, allowing the Chieftains to take control. Despite the loss, Mackenzie Birmele turned in one of her best performances of the season, keeping a strong Dowagiac lineup off balance through six innings. Offensively, the Panthers stayed productive with 11 hits. Ava Thomas led the way with a single, triple, and two RBI. Madison Eberhard and Rae Prestidge each added two singles and an RBI, while Kaylee Bartee chipped in a single and two RBI. Leila Liberto-Taylor had a triple, and Ava Trapp contributed a single. Watervliet will look to regroup and clean things up defensively moving forward. The Panthers will take on the Bridgman Bees on Tuesday at home. The Panthers are now 10-11 on the season.