By SCOTT NOVAK
Dowagiac Daily News

Three unanswered goals helped visiting South Haven to a 3-1 Wolverine Conference victory over Dowagiac Wednesday evening.

After a scoreless first half, Dowagiac opened the scoring in the 47th minute on a goal by Craig Zebell.

Just two minutes later, Nick Wilson knotted the score at 1-1 as he scored in the 49th minute.

The Rams took the lead with a goal in the 52nd minute from Randy Bautista.

South Haven completed the scoring in the 79th minute as Eric Maynez added an insurance goal as the Chieftains were pushing everyone forward in an attempt to score the tying goal.

Dowagiac continues to play without several key starters. The Chieftains have not had their entire starting line up on the field yet this season.

“We played a much better game despite two more starters not playing,” Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said. “Once we are healthy, I feel we can compete against anyone.”

The Rams held an 18-10 advantage in shots on goal.

The Chieftains’ keeper Jason Turner was credited with 15 saves.

“We had our opportunities, definitely,” Williams said about the multiple chances to score, including a penalty kick. “But they have been progressing. Instead of playing well for 40 to 50 minutes, I thought we played well for 75 minutes.

Williams was also pleased with how his team has responded to dealing with injuries, which have mainly resulted in practice an not in matches.

“We just roll with it,” he said.

Dowagiac will be back on the pitch today as it hosts Edwardsburg in a non-conference match.

South Haven…3
Dowagiac…1
Halftime score
South Haven 0, Dowagiac 0

Second half
D – Craig Zebell at the 47th minute
SH – Nick Wilson at the 49th minute
SH – Randy Bautista at the 52nd minute
SH – Eric Maynez at the 79th minute

Shots on goal
South Haven 18, Dowagiac 10

Saves
South Haven 5 (Trevor Stricklin)
Dowagiac 15 (Jason Turner)