The final score between visiting Paw Paw and Dowagiac in the opening round of the Division 3 District Soccer Tournament is a bit deceiving.

The Redskins advanced to the semifinals at Comstock with an 8-0 victory over the Chieftains.

But when you look beyond the box score you will find out that Dowagiac played much better against Paw Paw Tuesday night than it did when the two teams met May 4 in a Wolverine Conference West Division match.

The Chieftains were defeated 10-0 in that match, which was stopped at halftime due to the mercy rule.

Dowagiac played without starting goalkeeper Grace Younger, who was out with a severe ankle injury.

Younger returned to the line-up for the district match-up with the Redskins, and gave the Chieftains a newfound confidence against Paw Paw.

And while the Redskins still won a mercy-rule game, Dowagiac went 20 extra minutes against Paw Paw and played better than the final outcome indicates.

“We played a much better game against Paw Paw the second time around,” Dowagiac coach Ryan Haines said. “We were healthier with Grace back in goal and Di’Maan McGill back from injuries. We competed the best we could this evening and it really showed how much the season could have been different if we played that hard in all previous games.

“Paw Paw, the Wolverine Conference champions, are a solid team and will go far the in state tournament. We will be able to compete with them next year as we get another year older and the girls play travel ball in the fall. I am excited to see what the future will bring.”

Younger was excited to be back in goal.

“My ankle still hurts, but it felt really good (to be back in goal),” she said. “The hardest thing I think was PK when I had to stand on the line and try to decide which way to dive.”

Kaley Buck scored three first half goals as Paw Paw took a 4-0 lead after 40 minutes of play.

Cassie Small had a pair of goals, while Cassidy Connor had a goal and an assist in the second half for the Redskins.

Paw Paw peppered Younger with shot-after-shot in both halves. She finished with 14 saves.

“I was running out of breath and I probably have a giant bruise on my chest,” Younger said.

 

PAW PAW 8, DOWAGIAC 0

At Dowagiac

Halftime Score

Paw Paw 4, Dowagiac 0

 

First Half

PP: Kaley Buck fourth minute

PP: Buck 17th minute (penalty kick)

PP: Brooklyn Deming 25th minute

PP: Buck 40th minute

 

Second Half

PP: Karley Babcock 44th minute

PP: Cassie Small 52nd minute (Cassidy Connor assist)

PP: Small 52nd minute

PP: Connor 58th minute

 

Saves

Paw Paw 0 (Allie Thompson, Hailey Neudeck)

Dowagiac 14 (Grace Younger)

 

Varsity records: Paw Paw 11-3-1, Dowagiac: 2-17