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NILES — After winning the regular season Lakeland Conference title, the Buchanan volleyball team wrapped up the outright championship by going 3-0 at the league tournament at Brandywine High School on Saturday.

The Bucks (26-5) defeated Dowagiac 25-20 and 25-18, Berrien Springs 25-23 and 25-9, and Brandywine 25-8 and 25-18 to win the title.

The Bobcats (33-12-1) finished second, just as they did during the regular season, as they defeated Berrien Springs 25-14 and 25-11, and Dowagiac 25-17 and 25-20.

The Chieftains (15-17-5) were third after going 1-2. Dowagiac defeated the Shamrocks 25-15 and 25-17 on Saturday.

Berrien Springs was 0-3 on the day.

“Winning the conference was our first big goal for the season,” said Buchanan Coach Shelly Bossart. “My team has really special team chemistry and that is something that helps us in big matches. We play as a team and we win as a team. We are excited for the postseason.”

The Bucks had Alyssa Carson back in the lineup on Saturday after she missed multiple matches with a foot injury. Carson had 23 kills to lead Buchanan, which also got 22 kills from Chloe Aalfs. Aalfs also had a team-high 18 digs and five aces.

Sophia Bachman ended the tournament with 60 assists, 10 digs and a pair of aces. Keegan May had seven kills and six aces for the Bucks.

Brandywine Coach Emily Kohler-Zablocki liked how her team started the tournament, but as the day went on, the Bobcats had problems maintaining that momentum.

“We started the day fired up and ready to play, as the day progressed we played a bit flatter,” she said. “Our passing struggled and that affected our offense at times. I’m happy with how our serving has progressed this season and has gotten much tougher. Our blocking is also doing a better job of stopping balls and helping our defense be more successful.”

Kadence Brumitt had 29 kills, 15 digs, five aces and a pair of blocks for Brandywine, while Kallie Solloway had 18 kills, a team-high 29 digs and four aces. Elle Knapp finished the tournament with 60 assists, 20 digs and three aces.

Dowagiac coach Amber Todd said he team continues to have problems keeping momentum as well.

“At the tournament, our team came out strong with high energy,” she said. “Throughout the season we have struggled to stay ahead and finish sets. We are able to fight back but by the time we fight it is too late and the set it over. I am proud of how Brooklyn Smith came out and led the team this weekend. Brooklyn had a strong presence on the court and set the best I have seen her set this season. There are still so many positives with this young team and I am excited for their future.”

Smith had 36 assists, 14 digs, six aces and three kills. Dowagiac also got 11 kills, 17 digs, three blocks and four aces from Maggie Weller, while Abbey Dobberstein finished with 10 kills, a team-high 20 digs, three blocks and three aces. Marlie Carpenter chipped in with eight kills and a team-high four blocks.