Dowagiac’s Jessica Caldwell chips out of the sand at Hampshire Country Club. The Chieftains defeated Niles to pick up its first win of the season. (The Daily News/Scott Novak)

By SCOTT NOVAK

Dowagiac Daily News

The Dowagiac golf team picked up its first win of the season as it defeated host Niles on Thursday morning at the Hampshire Country Club.

The Chieftains shot 235 as a team compared to the Vikings, who finished with a 272.

Dowagiac’s Haley Smith earned medalist honors with her 50.

Sister Lauren Smith finished with a 52, while Kaye Swartz shot 64 and Rikki Baker 69.

Jessica Caldwell finished with a 72.

Niles was led by Paxton Schaller, who shot a 60.

Niles also got a 66 from Stephanie Vernier, a 71 from Elizabeth Hein, a 75 from Blake Bata and a 76 from Allison Dawson.

Katelyn Dawson finished with a 79.

Dowagiac…235

Niles…272

Medalist: Haley Smith (D) 50

Individual results

Dowagiac

Haley Smith 50, Lauren Smith 52, Kaye Swartz 64, Rikki Baker 69, Jessica Caldwell 72

Niles

Paxton Schaller 60, Stephanie Vernier 66, Elizabeth Hein 71, Blake Bata 75, Allison Dawson 76, Katelyn Dawson 79