The Dowagiac golf team finished third in the Orange Division of the Sturgis Invitational at Island Hills Tuesday.

The Chieftains tied with Wolverine Conference foe Three Rivers with a team total of 441, but earned the third-place spot due to a tiebreaker.

Both Rebecca Franklin and Greta Whitaker earned top 10 finishes for Dowagiac, as they shot 89 and 98, respectively.

Franklin actually tied with Three Rivers’ Heidi Hines  for second place, but was award third place based on handicap.

“I was happy to see Rebecca and Greta both make the top 10,” said Dowagiac coach Bob Turner. “The good part is they are both smart golfers and know what mistakes cost them strokes today. They will remember that in two weeks when we go back to the same course for regionals. Hopefully we will be more confident going into regionals.”

Dowagiac also got a 116 from Peytin Lee, a 138 from Lynsie Stolpe, a 145 from Sarah Stovern and a 151 from Lauren Ahonen.

The Wildcats’ Erin Taylor earned medalist honors in the Orange Division with a round of 86.

Battle Creek Harper Creek won the team championship with a total of 421. Niles finished with a 449 to take fifth-place.

Aynslee Myer led the Vikings with a score of 97, which was good for fifth-place, while Katie Bruckner shot 101 to finish seventh.

Skyler Brawley shot 124 for the Vikings, while Willow Brawley shot 127.

St. Joseph Blue captured the Black Division team championship after shooting a 354.

The Bears’ Cailey Rooker earned medalist honors with a round of 79.

Dowagiac returned to the links Wednesday to wrap up Wolverine Conference regular season play at States Golf Course.

The league will hold its end of the season tournament at Cheshire Hills in Allegan on Oct. 4.

Niles competed in the SMAC Tournament at Bedford Valley in Battle Creek Wednesday.

The Vikings will travel to South Haven for an invitational tournament Oct. 2 for its final tune up before the state tournament begins.