By SCOTT NOVAK
Dowagiac Daily News

STEVENSVILLE – A pair of sweeps Monday night in the opening round of the Class B District Volleyball Tournament at Lakeshore High School sent Dowagiac and the host Lady Lancers to the sidelines.

Dowagiac was blanked by Buchanan 3-0, while Edwardsburg shut out Lakeshore to advance to the semifinals.

The Lady Eddies will take on Lakeland Conference rival Berrien Springs, while the Lady Bucks will take on district favorite St. Joseph Wednesday night.

Dowagiac…0
Buchanan…3
In a highly competitive match, the Chieftains fell to the Lady Bucks 25-18, 25-17 and 25-20.

Dowagiac played inspired voleyball Wednesday night, but could not overcome the advantage Buchanan had offensively.

Led by Audrey Oake’s 15 kills, Buchanan (24-19-4) was able to control the net against the Chieftains.

Rachel Briggs and Kelsie Patrick both finished with nine kills each and combined for six blocks against Dowagiac.

“I felt our offense was a lot stronger and our defense controlled the back row,” Buchanan coach Lisa Holok said. “That gave us the opportunities to put the ball down.”

After falling in the first two sets, the Chieftains made a run at the Lady Bucks in the third set, tying the match at 20-20.

However a kill by Patrick gave Buchanan the lead for good.

“We were right there,” Dowagiac coach Ryan Frontczak said. “There is no quit in my girls. I am proud of the way they played tonight.”

Edwardsburg…3
Lakeshore…0
The first match of the night saw Edwardsburg win big (25-14) in the first set, but the final two sets were a battle.

The Lady Eddies came out on top 25-22 and 25-23 to advance to the semifinals.

Elise Mackling had 13 kills, 13 digs and a block for the Lakeland Conference champions, who improve to 25-15-7.

Cassopolis…3
Marcellus…1
CONSTANTINE – The Cassopolis volleyball team advanced to the Class C District Volleyball Tournament semifinals with a 3-1 win over Marcellus Monday night.

The Lady Rangers defeated Marcellus 25-21, 25-22, 19-25 and 25-16 to advance to Wednesday’s semifinal against Mendon.

“The girls played great defense and worked as a team,” Cassopolis coach Brooke Borsa said.

Olivia Stewart had 13 kills, 20 assists, 14 digs and two aces to lead Cassopolis.
Angela Feathers added 30 digs and a kill, while Kristen Fitzsimons added five aces and two kills.