In a game that proved the little things can make the biggest difference, South Bend Adams rallied past city rival Riley for a thrilling 3-2 victory in NIC softball action Tuesday night. The win was powered by a strategic dose of small ball and a gritty pitching performance from sophomore Abigail Kadar, who delivered under pressure in steady rain that only intensified as the game wore on.

Adams (8-9-1, 5-4 NIC) snapped a six-game losing streak with the win, while Riley (8-11, 1-7 NIC) dropped its fourth straight. The Eagles' dugout was electric all night, and their energy paid off when it mattered most. After Riley tied the game at 2-2 in the sixth inning on a throwing error, Adams responded with a textbook display of small ball in the seventh. Sophomore Claire McNally led off with a perfect bunt, followed by a sacrifice bunt from sophomore Brooklyn Young and a gorgeous bunt from freshman Gabby Vandewielle that allowed McNally to race home as the throw to first sailed wide.

"That felt good," said a smiling Jami Redman, coach of the Eagles. "We needed that. Number one tonight we needed a win. We have lost a lot of close games to some very good teams lately."

Adams jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning with back-to-back bunt hits from junior Julia McNellis and sophomore Mackenzie Miller, followed by an RBI single from freshman Brayah Williams-Winston, the team's top hitter. Riley senior pitcher Elliana Gonzales settled in after that, striking out the next three batters, two looking. But Adams' relentless approach at the plate—combined with Kadar's composure in the circle—proved to be the difference in this hard-fought rivalry matchup.