Despite the losses, Alpena’s coach, Charlie Giordano, remained focused on helping his players grow and improve.

Nathan Pokorzynski faced a tough challenge from Alex Lamphere, falling 6-0, 6-1.

The Gagnon brothers, Landen and Dillan, couldn’t break through against their opponents who practice year-round. In singles play, Alpena’s Landen Gagnon battled against TCC’s Tanner Coley but lost 6-0, 6-1. Dillan Gagnon lost to Riley White 6-0, 6-0, and Juan Meno faced a similar outcome, falling 6-0, 6-0 to Haru Matsuzaki.

“TCC is a very strong team,” Giordano said. “They have many players who play and practice year-round. I’m not concerned with closing a gap. I want to help my players grow their game, enjoy their time on the team, and get the most out of their ability.”

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Nathan Pokorzynski defends his side of the court in a match against Traverse City Central on Thursday in Alpena. The Wildcats lost to TCC in both singles and doubles.

The doubles matches were just as challenging for Alpena.

Evan McDonald and Zach Cloft lost 6-0, 6-0 to Helly Taylor and Max Betten, while Hunter Orr and Austin Derosia were defeated 6-0, 6-0 by Finn Fisher and Asher Petersen.

In the closest match of the day, Jack Caplis and Maddox Chabot scored two games but ultimately lost 6-1, 6-1 to Chris Gerlach and Nate Brewer.

Omar Dimasro and Oliver Wiseman rounded out the doubles matches, losing 6-0, 6-0 to Ollie Christensen and Holden Beery.

Coach Giordano pointed out that despite the harsh results, the team’s approach remains unchanged.

“We’re still focused on consistency and position over power,” he said. “The players did their job by keeping the ball in play, but many of the points we lost today were from winners on the other side.”

Even though the team struggled, Giordano was proud of their effort and attitude.

“The players knew what to expect today,” he said. “They know TCC is tough. I was proud of how they fought hard for all points. They played with their heads high and shoulders back, proud of the game they brought.”

The losses against a top team like TCC can be challenging, but Giordano emphasized that the team’s growth, enjoyment, and ability to play with pride matter more than the final scores.

“Play with pride and confidence; keep as many balls in play as possible,” he said.

Alpena will look to regroup as they continue their season, focusing on consistency and keeping their heads high as they work to improve their overall game.

The Wildcats will play at Essexville-Garber High School at 11 a.m. on Saturday.