By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Talk about getting out of the gates fast.
Dowagiac's varsity basketball team opened its season Tuesday night with a 45-32 non-conference victory over visiting Berrien Springs.
The Chieftains (1-0) scored 33 first half points, including 20 in the opening eight minutes.
Berrien Springs switched to a zone in the second half and cut down the Chieftains' point dramatically.
Dowagiac scored just 12 points in the second half which allowed Berrien Springs to make a run and keep the score within striking distance.
The win avenged a loss to the Lady Shamrocks in 2004. The victory also made Blomgren's debut a success.
Dowagiac totally dominated the first half as it used pressure defense to create turnovers which led to easy baskets.
Dowagiac was able to score inside as well as outside.
Sophomore guard Katy Stuppy used her ability to break the Berrien Springs press and get inside to set up the Chieftains' offense.
Junior Holly Lowe was able to set up shop on the outside and knock down some key jump shots.
After opening up with 20 points in the first eight minutes, Dowagiac outscored Berrien Springs 13-9 in the second period to take a 33-17 halftime lead.
Former Dowagiac coach Al Westendorp, who is assisted by former Dowagiac standout Katie Cuthbert, switched from man-to-man to zone defense to start the second half.
Dowagiac appeared to be frustrated by the defense, but still managed to stay comfortably ahead of the Lady Shamrocks throughout the second half.
Stuppy led all scorers with 16 points, while Lowe finished with 15 points. Dowagiac also got six points off the bench from Jolynn Hawkins.
Stuppy also had four rebounds and eight assists. Kim Luthringer led the team in rebounding with seven.
Kristy Cooper led Dowagiac with five steals.
The Chieftains forced 28 turnovers, while committing 18 themselves.
Kayla Casteel led the Lady Shamrocks with nine points. Michelle Rudlaff added eight points.
Dowagiac is back in action on Thursday when it takes on Paw Paw in a non-conference contest. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.