Alpena opened the match with a decisive first-set win. The second set was more contested, but the Lumberjacks managed to hold off Bay College with a 25-22 win.

In the third set, Bay College mounted a comeback, leading 19-12 before Alpena closed the gap. The set extended past the 25-point mark, with Bay College eventually winning 29-27.

Despite the setback, Alpena came back in the fourth set to secure a 25-21 win and close out the match.

Lumberjacks Head Coach Courtney Holmes reflected on the team’s performance after the match.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Lilly Adams received the ball in the ACC volleyball team’s last home game on Tuesday night. The Lumberjacks defeated Bay College.

“I think this was the best we’ve played all year,” she said. “We’ve been close a lot this season, but today we were able to put it all together. We’ve worked hard on controlling what we can in long rallies, and I think we were able to do that today.”

Holmes also addressed the team’s ability to adjust during play, particularly in serve-receive situations.

“We focus a lot on handling balls that are hard driven, and making sure we adjust our footwork and hand positions to keep the ball in play,” Holmes said. “It’s something we work on every day at practice.”

The third set presented challenges for the Lumberjacks, but Holmes said she was pleased with how the team handled the pressure, particularly after Bay College took a late lead and forced the set past the 25-point mark.

“It’s emotionally and physically tough to play in games like that, but I’m proud of how the team stayed in it and came back in the fourth set to finish strong,” Holmes said.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Alpena’s Kristen Neubecker blocks the ball against Bay College on Tuesday night in Alpena. It was the team’s last home game of the season.

Holmes highlighted the communication and chemistry that contributed to the team’s performance, saying, “I think it’s the best it’s been all year. The entire team, whether on the court or the bench, worked together and supported each other, and that made a big difference today.”

This win marks the Alpena’s last home game for the season, with the team set to finish the remainder of its schedule on the road.