By ERIKA PICKLES

Leader Publications contributor

NILES — The Niles and Dowagiac girls’ varsity soccer teams opened the 2019 season with a 3-3 tie on a chilly, but sunny, Monday evening.

The Vikings took the field fired up as senior Marisa Kerr quickly scored the first goal for Niles just 1:15 into the game. Kerr added another goal at the 5:52 mark, giving the Vikes an early 2-0 lead.

Kerr’s goals were assisted by Grace Florkowski and Ashton Brook.

“We controlled the ball well and attacked Dowagiac early,” said head coach Abel Fonseca. “We had a few more opportunities to finish in the first half, but just couldn’t make it happen.”

The Chieftains took a little longer to find their momentum, coming out of the game flat, but later settling into the contest, explained Dowagiac head coach Chad Davis.

Dowagiac’s first goal came at the 8:48 mark of the first half from freshman Kenya Lee. Lee also scored a goal for the Chiefs in the second half, as well as sophomore Allie Connor.

“We started four freshmen and they did a nice job. We obviously have some things to work on, but I was very happy with the effort put forth. This team is young, but they have good chemistry and are hungry to win, so this could turn out to be a really good season for us,” Davis said.

Florkowski scored the third goal for Niles in the second half.

The Vikings will travel to Bridgman on Thursday for a non-conference match set to begin at 5 p.m.

Dowagiac is not back in action until April 13 in Coloma.