CASSOPOLIS — The Tony Hooley era got off to a quick start as the Dowagiac varsity volleyball team captured the Tracy Baker Memorial Invitational on Saturday.

Hooley was hired earlier this year to replace Rachael Zider, who resigned following the 2017 season.

The Chieftains rolled through pool play at Ross Beatty Jr./Sr. High School with very little trouble.

Dowagiac defeated Eau Claire 25-14 and 25-12, defeated Michigan Lutheran 25-7, 25-15 and defeated River Valley 25-23, 25-12.

In the semifinals, the Chieftains and Hooley faced his former team in the Marcellus Wildcats.

Marcellus was fired up to take on their former coach and jumped out to an early lead before Dowagiac grabbed the momentum and went on to sweep the Wildcats 25-18, 25-9.

Host Cassopolis was waiting for the Chieftains in the finals.

Dowagiac and the Rangers played a spirited match, but the Chieftains cam out on top.

“We got better as the day went on,” Hooley said. “As we played tougher teams, we rose to their level of play. I saw that confidence in them. I do not know these girls. How are they going to play under pressure? I know now they can do that.”

Kelsey Crocker had a big day for the Chieftains as she finished with five aces, 31 kills, a block, 20 digs and an assist.

Jenna Davis played big in the middle with 24 kills and six blocks. She also had 12 aces and eight digs.

Megan Davis finished with 19 kills, 14 digs and seven aces, while Jesse Hulett finished with seven aces, four kills, a block, 32 digs and 62 assists.

Dowagiac will open its home season against Wolverine Conference foe Vicksburg at the Dowagiac Middle School Wednesday.