Just because the term “home school” was behind Goshen’s name doesn’t mean that Dowagiac’s volleyball opponent wasn’t very good.

In fact, it was just the opposite as Goshen Home School edged the Chieftains 3-2 Tuesday night.

Goshen won the opening set 25-18 before Dowagiac rallied to take the second set 25-20.

After being down early in the third set, the Chieftains fought back and edged Goshen 25-23.

The visitors from northern Indiana were not done yet and forced a fifth and deciding set after winning 25-15.

Dowagiac got off to a great start in the final set, leading 6-1.

Amanda Badner’s kill and five straight service winners allowed the Chieftains to open up the early lead.

But Goshen, as it has most of the match, came roaring back.

Five consecutive points squared the set at 6-6 and then Goshen opened up an 11-9 advantage on Dowagiac, who had issues with consistency all night long.

But to their credit, the Chieftains were not about to give in either.

Dowagiac tied the set at 12-12, but a hitting error gave Goshen a 14-12 advantage.

A Goshen net error closed the gap to 14-13, but the Chieftains were called for a controversial net error, which gave the visitors the victory.

“It has been like this pretty much all year,” Dowagiac first-year coach Vince Strefling said of the inconsistent play. “We have to learn how to win. Right now we are playing not to lose.

“They (Goshen) are a really good team. I am going to think about this in the car on the way home and say, ‘we went five with a good team. That’s pretty good.’”

 

Goshen Home School d. Dowagiac 3-2

Dowagiac statistics

Kills

Annie Ennesser 15

Amanda Badner 15

Mary Magin 8

 

Digs

Natalie Davis 25

 

Blocks

Taylor Hulett 5

 

Aces

Magin 4

 

Assists

Kassidy Binns 35

 

JV score

Goshen defeated Dowagiac 25-18, 25-7