By SCOTT NOVAK
Niles Daily Star

The Dowagiac varsity golf team didn’t exactly get off to the kind of start it wanted on Wednesday, but the Chieftains weren’t exactly disappointed for their first time out.

Dowagiac dropped a 232-240 decision to visiting Sturgis in a non-conference match to kick off the 2009 season.

Cassie Stone led the Chieftains with a 51, which was second best on the day.

Dowagiac also got a 61 from Shannon Keene, a 62 from Lauren Smith and a 66 from Haley Smith.

Maggie Cripe rounded out the field for the Chieftains with a 71.

Stacy Cressman of Sturgis earned medalist honors as she bested Stone by one stroke with a 50.

Ella Inman shot 56 for Sturgis, which also got a 61 from Emily Campbell and a 65 from Anna Lytle. Autumn Stankey finished with a 69.

Neither team had a full junior varsity squad; however, six players did take to the course on Wednesday at Indian Lake Hills.

Erin Corey shot a 64 for Dowagiac, which also got a 77 from Marneasa Short and a 78 from Kay Swartz.

Jamie Yunker had an 82 for Sturgis.

Dowagiac gets right back into action today as it faces Niles at Hampshire Country Club at 10 a.m.

This will be the season opener for the Lady Vikings.

Sturgis…232
Dowagiac…240
At Indian Lake Hills GC
Medalist: Stacy Cressman 50
Sturgis
Stacy Cressman 50, Ella Inman 56, Emily Campbell 61, Anna Lytle 65, Autumn Stankey 69
Dowagiac
Cassie Stone 51, Shannon Keene 61, Lauren Smith 62, Haley Smith 66, Maggie Cripe 71