After a slow start, the Dowagiac soccer team rolled into the Division 3 district championship match with an 8-0 victory over visiting Coloma Wednesday.

The Chieftains led 2-0 at halftime following back-to-back goals by Alec Saylor and Chance Wernlund in the 28th and 29th minutes.

Gage Williams assisted on the Saylor goal, and Saylor assisted on the Wernlund score.

Dowagiac (11-6-2) came out firing in the second half and scored three goals in the first 18 minutes.

Saylor and Wernlund opened the scoring with goals in the 42nd and 51st minutes. Johnny Ruiz assisted on both goals.

Williams capped the scoring spree in the 58th minute and then Ben McCrorey and Cole Parker capped the scoring in the 75th and 79th minutes.

Gustavo Cruz assisted on the McCrorey goal and Matt Mosier on the Parker score.

“We were able to work on moving the ball in and out and finding gaps in the defense,” Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said.

The Chieftains will travel to Buchanan on Saturday to take on Berrien Springs, which defeated South Haven 3-1 in the other semifinal Wednesday, at 11 a.m.

Dowagiac defeated Berrien Springs 3-0 last Friday in its regular season finale.

“In order to beat Berrien again, we have to move as a team and play tough defense,” Williams said.