Dowagiac and host Cassopolis will open the 2017 volleyball season at the Cass Classic at Ross Beatty Jr./Sr. High School Saturday.

The Chieftains will play in the Blue Pool, along with Michigan Lutheran, River Valley and Mendon.

The Rangers will play in the White Pool against Marcellus, Eau Claire and defending champion New Buffalo.

Pool play is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

The Chieftains are scheduled to play Mendon in the second match of pool play before facing Michigan Lutheran and River Valley in round-robin action.

The Rangers will hit the court at 9 a.m. against Marcellus before playing New Buffalo and Eau Claire in pool play.

“I am really looking forward to our season opening tournament this Saturday,” Cassopolis coach Demi Schrader said. “I feel pretty good going into the tournament. My girls have been working extremely hard this first week of practice. They have a lot of energy and have done a great job building team chemistry and pushing each other. I am excited to see them in action.”

New Buffalo went 8-0 in pool play last season and defeated Bangor in the semifinals and Michigan Lutheran for the championship.

The Bison beat the Titans 25-17 and 25-22 to win the title.

The format for the tournament is a best of three with no cap on scoring. The first two sets will be played to 25 points, while a third set, if necessary, will be played to 15 points.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. A family rate of $15 will also be available.