By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
The Dowagiac Middle School eighth grade girls' basketball teams were swept by visiting Niles Ring Lardner Monday afternoon.
The Orange team dropped a 28-9 decision to the Lady Vikings, while the Black team suffered a 19-11 setback.
Victoria Robinson led the Black team with five points. Kaisha Martin and Kiele Belew both scored two points.
The Orange team was led offensively by Shatesha White and Roberta Payne with four points each. Ashley Charles and Erin Stanton scored two and one points respectively.
Dowagiac is back in action on Thursday against South Haven. Play begins at 4 p.m.
Seventh grade basketball
The Chieftains seventh grade Orange and Black teams were also defeated by host Niles Ring Lardner Monday afternoon.
The Orange team was defeated 28-6, while the Black team dropped a 22-7 decision to the Lady Vikings.
Correshia Rogers, Jacoya Brookins and Sierra Herter, all of whom scored two points, led the Orange team.
The Black team got three points from Caroline Mitchell and two points each from Jessica Harkey and Erica Greenwood.
"The first games of the season are always a learning experience," Dowagiac coach Katrina Lee said. "We did some good things and other things we still need to work on. I'm sure the girls will continue to work hard and learn all aspects of the game."
Dowagiac travels to South Haven on Thursday. The first game is slated to begin at 4 p.m.