By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
DOWAGIAC - A pair of second half goals by Mike Tanke lifted visiting Niles to a 2-0 victory in the opening round of the Big 16 Conference Black Division Tournament Thursday afternoon.
The Vikings' victory turned the tables on the Chieftains, who defeated Niles 2-0 during the regular season.
In a game that featured plenty of defense, Tanke broke the scoreless deadlock in the 60th minute.
Tanke, who came off the field with a injury in the second half, completed the scoring on a direct kick in the 75th minute.
Dowagiac outshot the Vikings 17-15.
&#8221The players prepared hard this week and I was happy with how they stayed with the plan that we worked on,“; Niles coach Jerry Holtrom said. &#8221When we play Dowagiac, there are no surprises. We both know each other well and expect a competitive match.
Niles, 9-7, returns to action next Tuesday at Sturgis.
Niles also won the junior varsity contest Thursday, 2-1.
Nathan Allison scored both goals for the Vikings. Jordan Parks assisted on one of those goals.
Dowagiac…0
Halftime
Niles 0, Dowagiac 0
Second half
N – Mike Tanke at the 60th minute
N – Tanke at the 75th minute on a direct kick.
Shots on goal
Dowagiac -17
Niles – 15