By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
It has been 11 years since a Dowagiac softball team has reached the regional tournament.
But on Saturday the Chieftains will join three Wolverine Conference schools in Comstock to decide who will advance to the state quarterfinals next Tuesday at Grand Valley State University in Allendale.
The last time the Chieftains (32-4) made it to the regionals they were defeated by Battle Creek Harper Creek.
Dowagiac, ranked No. 4 in the newest coaches poll, will take on Richland Gull Lake (22-17) in the second game on Saturday, scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m.
Host Comstock, which is 34-4 and ranked No. 3 in this week's poll, will face Three Rivers (20-12) in the opening game at 10 a.m.
The championship game is set for 30 minutes after the second semifinal.
Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said he didnt know much about Gull Lake other than their catcher is one of their best players.
Thyra Wallas doubled in both runs in Gull Lake's 2-0 win over Otsego in the championship game on Saturday.
Erin Goebel tossed a two-hitter for Gull Lake.
Comstock is led by pitcher Meghan Thomas. Thomas tossed a four-hitter with six strike outs on Saturday in the title game.
The Chieftains defeated Three Rivers 5-2 and 14-5 on April 25.
Senior pitcher Brittney Reist tossed a two-hitter with 10 strike outs in the first game, while junior Ashley Willis tossed a seven-hitter with 11 strike outs in the nightcap.
When asked if the Chieftains would be flat after such an emotional victory on Saturday, Behnke felt his team would be ready.