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Alpena Wildcats fall to Petoskey Northmen in Pink Out game for breast cancer awareness

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Ashlyn Gray prepares for a serve from the Petoskey Northmen on Wednesday night in the volleyball game in Alpena. The Wildcats lost all three sets on the night.

ALPENA — The Alpena Wildcats played the Petoskey Northmen on Wednesday in their annual Pink Out game to raise awareness for breast cancer, ultimately losing in three straight sets. Petoskey won 25-16, 25-15, and 25-17.

The Wildcats displayed solid defensive efforts throughout the match, with Laura Poli, Paige Samp, and Ashlyn Gray diving to keep the ball in play. Despite their efforts, Petoskey’s consistent play proved too much for Alpena to overcome.

“We’ve been playing much better in the last week or so,” coach Kolby Andrews said. “The girls are getting more aggressive, which is helping the overall energy of our game. But we’re still giving up too many points on mental errors.”

Kiera Prue delivered serves that gave Alpena brief momentum, while Prue and Reaghan Fitzpatrick made blocks at the net, preventing Petoskey from extending their lead. The team, however, continued to struggle against Petoskey’s offensive pressure.

Andrews emphasized the defensive intensity that the team has developed, especially when playing from behind.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Paige Samp and Emily VanHorn go after the ball in Wednesday’s volleyball game against Petoskey in Alpena. The Wildcats lost to the Northmen in all three sets.

“We’ve been in this situation all season, and the girls know they have to be the ones to fight back,” Andrews said. “We work on it in practice, and that urgency helps create those moments where they’re diving to keep the ball off the floor.”

Despite the loss, the coach highlighted the team’s progress, pointing to a recent win against Sault Ste. Marie and the competitiveness of the match against Petoskey.

“Even though we only have a few weeks left in our season, the girls are focused on improving and finishing strong,” Andrews said.

The Pink Out game, which supports breast cancer awareness, added extra meaning to the evening. Andrews said the Wildcats embraced the cause, playing in a gym filled with energy.

“Nights like tonight always bring extra commotion, but the girls love being involved with causes bigger than the game itself,” Andrews said. “It’s fun to see them embrace that, and it adds to the overall energy in the gym.”

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Grace Cameron (3) celebrates with her teammates after a rally against the Petoskey Northmen on Wednesday in Alpena. The Wildcats hosted their annual Pink Out game to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Alpena plays at Traverse City Central at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

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