By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
The Dowagiac freshmen girls' basketball team dropped its season opener to visiting Otsego Tuesday night, 34-19.
The Chieftains' junior varsity squad also opened its season on a sour note as they were defeated by visiting Berrien Springs, 27-17.
Freshmen basketball
Otsego led 9-0 after one period of play and 12-4 at the intermission.
The Lady Bulldogs outscored Dowagiac 8-3 in the third quarter to extend their lead to 20-7.
Dowagiac did outscore Otsego in the final eight minutes, 12-11.
Brittany Gnatz led Dowagiac with six points, while Tasia Diaz and Stephanie Grabemeyer both finished with four points.
Dowagiac will return to action on Thursday when its takes on Paw Paw.
Tip-off is set for 4:15 p.m.
JV basketball
Berrien Springs outscored Dowagiac 8-2 in the second quarter to open up a 15-8 lead at the intermission on the Chieftains.
Both teams struggled to score in the third quarter, but picked up the pace in the final eight minutes.
Dowagiac trailed 7-6 after one period of play and trailed by seven at the intermission.
Both teams tallied three points in the third quarter, while Berrien Springs outscored Dowagiac 9-7 in the final stanza.
Shardatsha Fitchett led Dowagiac with six points, while Allison Frontczak added five points and Sarah Shelton three points.
Dowagiac returns to the hardwood on Thursday when it takes on Paw Paw.
Tip-off is set for approximately 5:45 p.m.