By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Execution led to a victory for host Brandywine over No. 1 ranked Dowagiac Saturday at the Matt Kurtis Invitational.
The Bobcats, ranked No. 4 in Division 3, got the bunt down and a clutch hit in the fourth inning to edge the Chieftains, 1-0, in the title game.
Kelli Zache (23-7) backed up that run in the circle as she tossed a four-hitter with 14 strikeouts against the Chieftains.
Dowagiac's Ashley Willis (12-3) was equally impressive, but suffered the loss despite tossing a five-hitter with 10 strikeouts.
Both pitchers walked just one batter.
Dowagiac reached the finals with a 5-0 win over Climax-Scotts in the second game of the tournament.
Brandywine made it to the finals with a 3-2 win over Three Rivers in the tournament opener.
Zache picked up her 22nd win against the Wildcats and threw 12 strikeouts and allowed five hits and no walks.
Lauren Kachur was the lone top hitter for the Bobcats against Three Rivers with a double.
In the championship game, Holly Lowe was the lone top hitter for both teams as she provided two singles for Dowagiac.
Brandywine will be hard at work on the practice field this week as it will take on Buchanan in the District 3 semifinals on Saturday in Bridgman. Game time is set for 10 a.m., with the winner advancing to the finals.
The Bucks and Bobcats are tied for first place in the Lakeland Conference.
Championship game
Brandywine 000 100 0 - 1 5 1
Dowagiac 000 000 0 - 0 4 0
Kelli Zache (W, 23-7), Ashley Willis (L, 12-3)
Brandywine 28-10, Dowagiac 28-3
First game
Brandywine 010 110 0 - 3 6 2
Three Rivers 000 100 1 - 2 5 3
Kelli Zache (W, 22-7), Britt Wagner (L)
2B: Lauren Kachur (B), Kayla Smith (TR)
Second game
Dowagiac 001 201 1 - 5 8 2
Climax-Scott 000 000 0 - 0 3 4
Maureen Pickar (W, 14-0), Burgett (L)
2B: Holly Lowe