By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
The difference between the performance of the Dowagiac varsity volleyball team from Monday to Thursday was like night and day.
A simple adjustment in their offense allowed the Chieftains to get on track against visiting South Haven.
The Chieftains defeated the Lady Rams 25-13, 25-16 and 25-18 to open up its Wolverine Conference schedule.
"I saw something when we played Buchanan," Dowagiac coach Carl Greulich said. "We were passing too tight, so I widened it out for them. That opened up my middles to run more, plus it gave us one-on-ones on the outside, which is exactly what we are trying to do."
Dowagiac showed improvement in all phases of the game against the Lady Rams.
The Chieftains served better, passed better and attacked the net better.
The return of Stephanie Barnas from illness certainly helped.
Barnas led the team with seven service aces and had 11 assists.
Barnas' four aces in the opening game set the tone for Dowagiac.
Barnas helped stake the Chieftains to a 12-4 lead. Dowagiac never looked back in winning the opening game.
It was more of the same in the second game as Dowagiac got the ball to the net and attacked the Lady Rams.
South Haven showed a little bit more spunk in the second game, but was unable to stop the Chieftains.
Down 2-0, South Haven stayed close early in the final game, but Allison Frontczak stepped up and served the Chieftains into a 13-9 lead.
Dowagiac would maintain that comfortable margin thanks to its serving and defense.
Brittany Gnatz appeared to be all over the floor at several stages, as did Calie Daniels.
"Brittany Gnatz and Calie Daniels were just awesome on defense," Greulich remarked.
Tasia Diaz served Dowagiac to the brink of victory with three consecutive winners and then Frontczak pounded the ball down for the winning point.
"We played well tonight," Greulich said. "It was fun."
Sarah Shelton led Dowagiac offensively with eight kills and three blocks. The Chieftains also got six kills from both Emily Primley and Brittany Bruens.
Bruens also led the team with 23 assists.
Frontczak finished with five blocks, as did Kayla Saviano.
Gnatz led the team in digs with 13, while Daniels finished with six. Daniels also had six aces.
Dowagiac is back in action on Saturday at the Berrien Springs Invitational.
Pool play is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.
The Chieftains will face Bridgman in its first match at approximately 8:45 a.m. Dowagiac will then take on Benton Harbor at 9:30 a.m. and Michigan Lutheran at 11:45 a.m.