BERRIEN SPRINGS — The Dowagiac soccer team finally opened its season Wednesday night with a 7-1 non-conference victory over host Berrien Springs.

The Chieftains scored three times in the opening 40 minutes and took a 3-1 advantage in the second half.

Hazen McMeeken scored the first two goals of the match with assists from Craig Zebell both times.

Nate Michaels scored the third goal of the opening half for the Chieftains with an assist from Zebell.

McMeeken scored in the 11th and 13th minutes, while Michaels’ goal came in the 25th minute.

Berrien Springs picked up its lone goal in the 20th minute.

In the second half Zebell continued his big night with a goal in the 44th minute off an assist from Ryan Barnas.

Michael scored again, this time in the 48th minute as Zebell picked up his fourth assist of the game.

Alvaro Scherer scored the final two goals for Dowagiac at the 55th and 74th minutes.

Zebell earned his fifth assist and Tony Solis had the other assist.

Dowagiac outshot Berrien Springs 25-10.

“It was a good start for our season,” Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said. “We are very young, but hard working. Everyday they are improving and contributing. Our upperclassmen are setting great examples. Craig Zebell did a great job moving the ball around the field giving all players opportunities to succeed. Jason turner did a great job in goal with nine saves.”

Dowagiac…7

Berrien Springs…1

Halftime score

Dowagiac 3, Berrien Springs1

First half

D – Hazen McMeekan 10th minute (Craig Zebell assist)

D – McMeekan 12th minute (Zebell assist)

BS – Enoch T-Becksay 25th minute

D – Nate Michaels 28th minute (Zebell assist)

Second half

D – Zebell 45th minute assist Ryan Barnas

D – Michaels 53rd minute (Zebell assist)

D – Alvaro Scherer 63rd minute (Zebell assist)

D – Scherer 4th minute (Tony Solis assist