News Photo by Lori Werth Alpena’s Rachel Brown slides back to first base safely before Petoskey first baseman Sarah Van Treese (10) can apply the tag during the first game of Tuesday’s softball doubleheader at Alpena High School.

Disappointment has been a recurring theme for the Alpena softball team in the last seven district tournaments.

While not quite the district, Tuesday night had a similar feel.

With the Big North Conference championship on the line, the Wildcats had their league title hopes dashed as Petoskey came to Alpena High School and swept a doubleheader, giving the Northmen the crown.

Petoskey clinched at least a share of the conference hardware with a 2-1 win in a thrilling nine-inning first game, then won it outright in a 5-2 victory in the second game.

Petoskey’s Andi Gasco dueled Alpena’s Rachel Gebauer in a classic pitching battle in the first game. In the nightcap the hitting picked up a bit and Petoskey cashed in with a five-run fifth inning that surged the Northmen (17-5, 10-0 Big North) past the Wildcats.

“It’s not a good feeling,” said Alpena coach Paul Marwede. “I feel for the kids. They worked hard.