By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Host Niles increased its lead in the Big 16 Conference West Division golf race with a win Monday afternoon at Orchard Hills Country Club.
The Vikings shot 180 to nip St. Joseph by a stroke and Lakeshore by three strokes.
The Bears finished with a 181 and Lakeshore a 183. Dowagiac finished fourth with a 186. Benton Harbor did not field a team.
The Vikings now have 38 points, while Lakeshore has 32 points and St. Joseph 26 points. Dowagiac is fourth with 16 points.
Niles' Nick Horn, tied two other golfers for medalist honors on Monday with a 41.
The Vikings also got a 44 from Alex Welch, a 46 from Scott Majerek, a 48 from D.J. Wolnick and a pair of 49s from Chris Haas and Jeff Jurgonski.
The Chieftains were led by Nick Krizinski's 45. Kevin Proshwitz and Jared Schinske both shot 46, while Zack Russom finished with a 49. Dowagiac also got a 54 and a 56 from Tanner Melvin and Hunter Topping respectively.
Niles' JV golf team also took first on Monday with a total team score of 180 as it competed against St. Joe, Lakeshore and Dowagiac.
Warren Simpson lead the Vikings with a 41 on the day.
Sam Hatch shot a 45, Jared Kabara and David Ralston both shot a 47 and Zack Bloss shot a 50.
Niles returns to action on Monday, Sept. 19 for another SMAC West Division set to begin at 3:30 p.m.