By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Seven of the best softball programs in northern Indiana and Michigan will join host Dowagiac on Saturday for the annual Chieftain Invitational.
Returning are defending champion Andrean (Merriville, Ind.), Elkhart Memorial, Mishawaka Marian, Grandville, Kalamazoo Christian and Portage Northern.
Replacing Crown Point, Ind. will be Hartford.
The tournament will be played on four fields throughout the city.
Games are shceduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at Dowagiac Union High School, Russom Field, Rotary Park and the Highway Department field.
Dowagiac and Elkhart Memorial will kickoff the tournament at the Union High School softball field at 10:30 a.m., while Portage Northern will face Andrean at Russom Field. Marian will play Kalamazoo Christian at Rotary Park, while Grandville will take on Hartford at the Highway Department field.
The semifinals, both in the championship and consolation bracket, are scheduled for 1 p.m. The championship and consolation finals are scheduled for 3:30 p.m., along with the games for fifth and seventh place.