By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
A short-handed Brandywine team went 0-3-1 Saturday at the Kalamazoo Hacket Tournament, the team's first action of the season.
The Bobcats were missing three of their seniors for most of the day, who were taking their ACT exams. Nikki Cooper and Emily Whitney, both All-Region selections a year ago, took their tests in Kalamazoo and played in the final game for Brandywine.
Ashley Antus was unable to switch her test site to Kalamazoo at took the exam closer to Niles. She was unable to make it to the tournament.
The Bobcats' tie came against conference-rival Coloma in the first game of preliminary play. Brandywine then lost 0-2 decisions to Battle Creek Central and Kalamazoo Christian.
In the tournament portion of the day, the Bobcats lost 1-2 to Gailsburg Augusta in the first round.
Despite the winless record, Brandywine head coach Gary Whitney said he felt good about the Bobcats' play because they pushed Gailsburg to the limit once Cooper and Whiney returned.
Whitney said the tournament gave him a chance to see what his underclassmen could do and what the young players need to work on. He said he was impressed with the play of junior Kelli Zache in particular.
Brandywine continues its season Wednesday in its home opener, a 6 p.m. match against Bridgman.