By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Dowagiac varsity softball team went undefeated in Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference West Division play this season.
The Chieftains are now reaping the rewards of their outstanding play.
Six Dowagiac players made the SMAC All-West Division First Team, voted upon recently by the coaches of the division teams.
Pitcher Kelly Tomczak was voted the West Division Honorary Captain. Joining her on the first team were teammates Jenna Stuppy, Rachel Minikel, Mandy Parish, Brianne Reist and Kim Luthringer.
Lakeshore landed four players on the First Team. Trish Kretchman, Julie Olson, Kaitlin Poschke and Melissa Brink all made the list.
Three players from St. Joseph made the First Team. Megan Gohlke, Mandi Rodriguez and Tracy Petz ke each made the list.
Niles placed two players on the First Team as well. Ashton Parks and Nikki Lintz received the top honors.
Nine playes also received Honorable Mention recognition.
Lakeshore and St. Joseph each placed three players on the Honorable Mention list.
Kari Anderson, Kristin Hunnell and Diana Janke of St. Joseph each made the Honorable Mention list.
Amanda Harrington, Jackie Sandberg and Stacey Jones of Lakeshore also made the Honorable Mention list.
Benton Harbor's Eboni Farley and Latasha Finley each made the Honorable Mention list.
Niles freshman Kayla Gross also made the Honorable Mention list.