By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
The Dowagiac varsity tennis team picked up its first victory of the season Wednesday afternoon with a 5-3 win over visiting Niles in Big-16 Conference West Division play.
Dowagiac split its singles matches with the Vikings, but won three out of the four doubles flights to earn the victory.
Niles picked up its wins at first and second singles and fourth doubles.
Dowagiac (1-3) earned victories at third and fourth singles, as well as the first three flights of doubles competition.
Dowagiac will not have long to savor this victory as they are back on the court today against West Division favorite St. Joseph. The Chieftains will travel to St. Joseph to make up the match that was rained out on Tuesday.
Play is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
Dowagiac…5
Niles…3
Singles: 1. Matt Molnar (Niles) d. Nick Rubino (Dow) 6-3, 6-7, 6-2; 2. Ryan Lindstedt (Niles) d. David Stroup (Dow) 6-2, 6-0; 3. Peter King (Dow) defeated Mina Eskander (Niles) 6-2, 6-3; 4. Tim Nisonger (Dow) d. Rafael Garrido (Niles) 6-2, 6-1
Doubles: 1. Robert Taylor/Scott Grabemeyer (Dow) d. Colin Smith/Carl Seitz (Niles) 6-2, 7-6; 2. Julian Feick/David Maxey d. Paul Wregglesworth/Chad Jankoviak (Niles) 6-2, 6-0; 3. Max Phinney/Adam Carlson d. Nick Neumann/Tyler Payne (Niles) 6-0, 6-0; 4. Blake Borszei/Andy Welch (Niles) d. Austin/Lawrence &Jeff Gross (Dow) 7-6, 7-6