By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
STEVENSVILLE – A three-run third inning after an hour delay for lightning ended Dowagiac's chance of winning a third straight Division 2 softball championship.
Host Lakeshore scored three times in the bottom of the third inning to defeat the Chieftains, 3-1.
Lakeshore reached the championship game with a 5-2 victory over arch rival St. Joseph in the second semifinal. Dowagiac eliminated Edwardsburg in the day's opening game, 6-5.
In the championship game, the Lady Lancers had runners at first and second with one out in the third inning when a thunderstorm rolled through the area.
After an hour delay, Lakeshore completed the rally as it scored all three runs.
Katie Pappa walked to load the bases for Amanda Elkins, who lined a shot off of Dowagiac shortstop Brittany Bruens.
Lakeshore took a 1-0 lead on the play as Bruens was injured.
The senior shortstop remained in the game despite a severely bruised arm and leg.
The Lady Lancers followed with RBI singles from Lindsay McNair and Ashley Brown to increase the lead to 3-0.
Dowagiac tried to get back into the game in the top of the sixth, as it scored its lone run of the contest.
The Chieftains (23-11) easily could have scored more as it left four base runners in scoring position.
Lauren Castonguay (23-3) picked up the victory as she scattered five hits. Katie Roach (22-11) suffered the loss.
Calie Daniels had two of the Chieftains' five hits.
Championship Game
Dowagiac 000 001 1 – 0 5 0
Lakeshore 003 000 x – 3 10 1
WP – Lauren Castonguay (L) 23-3
LP – Katie Roach (D) 22-11
Records: Lakeshore 35-5, Dowagiac 23-11
First Semifinals
Edwardsburg 000 000 5 – 5 7 3
Dowagiac 100 002 3 – 6 6 3
WP – Katie Roach (D) 22-10
LP – Jeni Bollenbacher (E)
2B: Lynne Zachary (D), Holly Lowe (D)
3B: Brittany Bruens (D)
Records: Edwardsburg 20-12
Second Semifinals
St. Joseph 000 002 0 – 2 5 3
Lakeshore 101 003 0 – 5 10 1
WP – Lauren Castonguay (L) 22-3
LP – Sara Cobb (SJ)
2B: Brooke Fleenor (L)
3B: Amy Knapp (L)
Records: St. Joseph 21-16