EAU CLAIRE — Protecting your home course is important if you want to win a Wolverine Conference golf championship.

That is exactly what Dowagiac did as it captured the South Division opening jamboree at Indian Lake Hills Golf Course Wednesday afternoon.

Dowagiac, led by medalist Rebecca Franklin’s 41, shot 190 to edge Sturgis by three strokes. Three Rivers finished third with a 212, Vicksburg fourth with a 250 and Edwardsburg fifth with a 257.

It was the first-ever girls golf match for the Eddies.

“It was a great start to the season,” said Dowagiac coach Bob Turner. “We know that Sturgis is always the team to beat and this year we want to get to be known as that team. Tonight was just the first step. We have to keep doing it.”

Besides Franklin, Dowagiac’s Greta Whitaker captured a top 10 finish as she shot 42. Lynsie Stolpe and Cailey Ruff both finished just outside of the top 10 with their rounds of 53 and 56 respectively.

Anna Ironside and Ruby Maggert finished with 67 and 69 for the Chieftains.

“Rebecca and Greta played really well with 41 and 42, and Lynsie fought through one bad hole and didn’t let it turn her round into a really big number,” Turner said. “Calley also came in with a low 50s score. So, it was a good team effort and a good, positive start.”

Ashley Low led Edwardsburg with a 52. Sarah Casey shot 65, Aleia Pompey 68, Liberty Hunsberger 72, Katie Welsch 76 and Kirsten Rayle 96.

The Wolverine Conference has decided to play golf in split divisions this season just as they do in other sports like football and basketball.

The South Division heads back into action Tuesday when the Eddies host the jamboree at Four Lakes Country Club.