Perhaps the third time will be the charm for the Dowagiac softball team as it faces Niles in the state tournament opener.

The Vikings swept the Chieftains earlier this year in a doubleheader at Niles.

Both teams drew the pre-district contest Tuesday at Edwardsburg. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said the Chieftains will have put it all together against the Vikings.

“We need to be good in all three aspects of the game,” Behnke said. “There are teams we should have beat this year, but didn’t because we didn’t play good defense, couldn’t hit or didn’t pitch well. Two out of three hasn’t worked for us. We need to do all three. If we can do those three things against Niles, we will win.”

Kourtney Mitchell leads Dowagiac offensively with a .402 battling average, which includes 10 doubles and 28 RBIs. Kristyn Turner is hitting .354 with eight doubles for the Chieftains.

Dowagiac could use either Alyssa Allen (5-9, 4.93 ERA) or Sabrina Ruiz (3-7, 2.65 ERA) in the circle against Niles.

The winner advances to face Berrien Springs in the second semifinal June 1. It will be played 30 minutes after the completion of the first semifinal between defending state champion Lakeshore and the host Eddies at 10 a.m.

Lakeshore has swept both Edwardsburg and Niles this season.

The championship game will be played 30 minutes after the second semifinal.

Cost is $5 per person and no passes will be accepted.