Dowagiac’s Dylan Chorba takes on South Haven on Monday in the season and Wolverine Conference opener. Chorba and No. 2 doubles partner Marc Tyrakowski were 6-4 and 6-4 winners over Griffin Graham and Jonah Dertorelli. The Chieftains are back in action on Wednesday when they head to Three Rivers for another Wolverine Conference match. (The Daily News/Ron Harner)

By SCOTT NOVAK

Dowagiac Daily News

Despite being a bit short-handed to start the season, the Dowagiac tennis team opened up against Wolverine Conference foe South Haven on Monday at the middle school courts.

The Rams defeated the Chieftains 6-2, earning one of their victories via a forfeit at No. 4 singles.

Dowagiac’s two wins came at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.

Dylan Chorba and Marc Tyrakowski defeated Griffin Graham and Jonah Dertorelli at No. 2 doubles 6-4 and 6-4.

At No. 3 doubles, Ben Thomas and Christian Hess defeated David Wondrgem and Jack Hostetler 6-4 and 6-4.

South Haven swept the singles flights, aided by the forfeit, and split the doubles matches to earn the win.

“The team played hard, but we just couldn’t overcome the errors,” Dowagiac coach Curtis Partee said.

South Haven…6

Dowagiac…2

Singles

1. Joey Osbon (SH) d. Chris Craft 6-3, 6-3; 2. Greg Maxwell (SH) d. Michael McClenahan 7-5, 6-4; 3. Ken Whileford (SH) d. Armapal Sarao 6-3, 7-6(3); 4. A.J. Woods wins by forfeit

Doubles

1. Zach Holt-Pablo Olivas (SH) d. Aaron Blaske-Jon Robinson 0-6, 6-4, 6-4; 2. Dylan Chorba-Marc Tyrakowski (D) d. Griffin Graham-Jonah Dertorelli 6-4, 6-4; 3. Ben Thomas-Christian Hess (D) d. David Wondrgem-Jack Hostetler 6-4, 6-4; 4. Eduardo Ramorizo-Mitchell Graham (SH) d. Julian Marshall-John Brosnan 6-0, 6-0

Varsity record: Dowagiac 0-1, 0-1 Wolverine