DOWAGIAC – The Niles junior varsity volleyball team needed three sets to defeat the host Dowagiac Chieftains on Monday.

The Lady Vikings, fresh from their victory in the Portage Northern Silver Invitational on Saturday, dropped the first game to the Chieftains 25-16.

Niles rebounded to win sets two and three 25-7 and 15-8.

Sarah Smith had five kills for the Lady Vikings, while Abby McKeel and smith each had six digs.

Stephanie Vernier finished with 12 assists. Paxton Schaller and Vernier both had two aces.

On Saturday, Niles captured the Portage Northern tournament by defeating Comstock (25-17, 25-19), Schoolcraft (25-13, 25-16), Battle Creek Central (25-15, 25-15), Lakeshore in the semifinals (19-25, 25-8, 15-9) and Schoolcraft in the finals (25-16, 25-22).

The Lady Vikings split with Mattawan (25-20, 16-25) and lost to Rockford (25-23, 25-18).