Elesia Sweig

Niagara got an early start on the softball season and picked up victories against Bowler and Elcho in the Rhinelander Dome on Thursday.

“It was a great start to the season,” said Niagara coach Emily Payette. “The games went really well for us despite not getting a practice on a field prior to the first game. We shuffled some things around with positions for the girls and everyone seemed to excel no matter where they were,” she said.

Elesia Sweig held Bowler to two hits and struck out five in Niagara’s 20-2 three-inning win. Grace Payette led the offense with two hits and two RBIs. The Badgers collected 16 walks in the contest.

Sweig also worked the mound in a five-inning 10-8 win over Elcho, allowing eight hits and two earned runs. Niagara’s Sienna Larock contributed three hits, including a triple, and drove in two runs. Payette and Shelby Zittlow had two hits and two RBIs each, while Sweig also had two hits and an RBI.

The offense was again aided by walks, as the Badgers drew 10 free passes.

Niagara will travel to Gillett on April 7.