By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
ST. JOSEPH - Top-seeded Portage Central captured the Big 16 Conference Volleyball Tournament championship on Saturday with a three-game victory over Sturgis in the finals.
The Lady Mustangs, ranked No. 2 the state, defeated the Lady Trojans, an honorable mention selection in Division 2, 18-25, 25-19 and 15-12.
Dowagiac finished in 14th place overall.
The Chieftains were defeated in the opening round by Battle Creek Central and then defeated Benton Harbor.
Dowagiac ened up the tournament with losses to Battle Creek Harper Creek and Marshall.
Brittney Rest led Dowagiac with 27 kills and 19 digs.
Dowagiac also got 14 kills from Jill Billingham and 13 kills from Kim Luthringer.
Luthringer also had 24 digs, while Lindsay Tyler finished with 14 digs.
Luthringer and Amy Wood topped the team in aces with seven and five respectively.
Ashley Urbanski led the team with 23 assists, while Brittany Bruens finished with 17 assists.
Dowagiac travels to Coloma tonight to wrap up the regular season.
The junior varsity and the varsity squads will be in action with the JV match beginning at 6 p.m.