The Alpena Wildcats varsity volleyball team battled the Traverse City West Titans on Tuesday but ultimately fell 3-1 in a match that remained competitive through the fourth set.
Traverse City West won the match 25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 25-22. Alpena responded to the opening-set loss by taking the second set 25-19, but the Titans regained control in the third before holding off the Wildcats in a 25-22 fourth set.
Madelynn Cameron leads Alpena attack
Madelynn Cameron paced Alpena with 16 kills and two blocks. Greta Riopelle added seven kills, while Grace Cameron finished with six.
Emily Van Horn led the Wildcats defensively with 20 digs. Amelia Soltysiak recorded 10 digs and Amaya Brousseau added seven. Emalee Parsons contributed three blocks, and Lilly Rospierski served two aces.
Alpena coach Kolby Andrews said the Wildcats understood they would need a strong performance against a Traverse City West lineup featuring significant size at the net.
“The girls played well, and they played tough,” Andrews said. “We know we have to bring our A game against TCW, they have some big hitters. I like the way we executed, and the girls made some big blocks in key moments.”
Next match scheduled at Gaylord
Although Alpena could not complete the comeback, Andrews praised the team’s response and effort late in the match as the Wildcats prepare for Big North Conference action.
“No loss is typically a good loss, but I like the way they kept fighting,” Andrews said. “They can hold their heads high going into Big North Conference action.”
The Wildcats are scheduled to face the Gaylord Blue Devils on Thursday. Gaylord is scheduled to host Alpena.