By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Portage Central avenged a loss to St. Joseph on Wednesday to capture the Big 16 Conference Volleyball Tournament held at Portage Northern High School on Saturday.
Portage Central defeated St. Joseph 15-8, 9-15 and 15-7 in the championship match.
Portage Central reached the finals with a win over Lakeshore in the semis. St. Joseph got to the championship match by defeating Coldwater in the semifinals.
The Lancers finished third, while Coldwater took fourth. Battle Creek Central rounded out the Top 5.
Dowagiac placed 10th after being seeded ninth.
The Chieftains lost to Marshall in the opening round and then defeated Benton Harbor.
The Chieftains also defeated Kalamazo Loy Norrix and lost to Battle Creek Lakeview.
Jenny Pilot had 22 kills, while Brianne Reist finished with 15 kills. Michele Pilot had 15 blocks and six aces for the Chieftains, who also got 28 digs from Erica Knapp and 27 assists from Sarah Luthringer.
Dowagiac will travel to Vicksburg on Saturday to take on Three Rivers following the Paw Paw/Sturgis match beginning at 10 a.m.