ALPENA — The Alpena High School varsity volleyball team began its home schedule with two victories Thursday, defeating Cheboygan 2-1 and Hillman 2-0. The results offered an early look at how the Wildcats are rebuilding their lineup after graduating several key contributors from last season.
For Alpena, the early-season challenge is balancing new responsibilities with the expectation of competing in the Big North Conference. Coach Kolby Andrews said the Wildcats lost both primary outside hitters and several defensive specialists from last year's senior class, making those positions a priority as the 2026 season begins.
New roles come into focus
The departures have led returning players to change positions, while juniors and sophomores new to the varsity group have been asked to contribute earlier than they might have previously. Andrews said some players have adapted successfully as the team works to fill the openings.
“Last year's senior class had a couple of key attackers for us,” Andrews said. “Both of my primary outside hitters were seniors last year, and a couple of defensive specialists also graduated. Filling those roles has been a priority so far this season.”
The Wildcats' early stability comes from six seniors who were already part of the program's core last fall. That group includes sisters Grace Cameron and Madelynn Cameron, along with several other players who handled important roles last season.
Grace Cameron was Alpena's primary distributor a year ago. Madelynn Cameron provided reliable attacking and defensive contributions. Their experience playing together in conference and postseason settings gives the coaching staff a foundation while younger players adjust to the pace and demands of varsity volleyball.
“Consistency right now comes from the fact that I do have six seniors that are familiar with the team and have played in important roles last season,” Andrews said. “That group includes Grace Cameron, her sister Madelynn and a couple of my hitters from last year.”
Wildcats set a demanding conference target
Alpena's season goal remains competing with the top programs in the Big North Conference, including Petoskey, Traverse City Central, Traverse City West and Cadillac. Last season, the Wildcats pushed toward a 20-win campaign and recorded important victories over Sault Ste. Marie and Gaylord.
Those results showed Alpena could take sets from conference opponents by serving aggressively and staying organized during transitions. This season, Andrews said the next step is improving the team's performance against the league's strongest teams rather than focusing only on early tournament results.
“The goal this year is to maintain our level of competition in the BNC, and to raise our game to compete with teams like Petoskey, Traverse City and Cadillac,” Andrews said.
The home wins against Cheboygan and Hillman provided an initial test. Cheboygan entered with a strong start to its own season, while Alpena finished the night with a sweep of Hillman in front of its student section.
Andrews said the Wildcats still have work to do in serve receive, coverage, communication and trust between new attackers and their teammates. August tournament matches are often played in abbreviated formats, making the coming weeks important for establishing continuity and determining who will take over the outside-hitting and defensive roles left open by last year's graduates.
“The early goal is to find the cohesion that will allow them to accomplish their goals,” Andrews said.