The Alpena Wildcats varsity volleyball team fought through two Gaylord match points Thursday before finishing with a 3-2 victory in a Big North Conference match. Alpena won the deciding fifth set 17-15.
The match repeatedly shifted between the Wildcats and the Gaylord Blue Devils. Gaylord reached match point twice, putting Alpena one rally away from a loss, but the Wildcats responded with late defensive plays and attacking to force the deciding set and then close it out.
Alpena leaders in the win
Madelynn Cameron led Alpena with 17 kills. Emalee Parsons added six kills, while Lilly Rospierski contributed five. Olivia Hitzelberger served four aces, and Amelia Soltysiak and Grace Cameron each served three.
Soltysiak finished with a team-high 28 digs. Madelynn Cameron recorded five blocks, and Rospierski added four blocks as Alpena held off Gaylord’s late challenge.
Coach praises response under pressure
Alpena coach Kolby Andrews said the conference victory reflected the team’s ability to manage adversity and execute late in the match.
“Victories in the Big North never come easy,” coach Kolby Andrews said. “This was a great match, and it really showed the girls’ ability to compete, overcome adversity, and execute when their backs were against the wall.”
Andrews said Gaylord’s two match points could have ended the contest, but Alpena’s defense and attacking kept the Wildcats alive.
“Gaylord had two different match points that would have sent us home with a loss, but the girls answered the call with great defense and clutch attacking,” Andrews said. “The girls really stepped up and fought when they needed to the most. I’m super proud of the way they played tonight.”