Courtesy Photo Kaila Girard stands ready at the plate during Game 2 on Friday where Alpena played Negaunee. The Wildcats defeated Negaunee 7-3 and also took a win from Garden City 13-3, in Game 1.

ALPENA — The Alpena Wildcats varsity softball team picked up two wins Friday, defeating Garden City 13-3 in Game 1 and Negaunee 7-3 in Game 2 behind strong offensive showings and solid pitching performances.

In the opening game against Garden City, Alpena took an early lead and never looked back.

Laura Poli drove in four runs on three hits, including a solo home run in the second and a two-run single in the third. The Wildcats’ offense surged in the third inning with seven runs, capped off by a grand slam from Maddie Spomer.

Alpena also saw contributions from Kaila Girard, who went two-for-two with a home run and two runs scored, and Paige Samp, who homered in the second.

Samp earned the win in the circle, allowing three hits and one run in three innings while striking out two. Ava Rospierski closed the game in relief.

Spomer led the team with five RBIs and went two-for-three, while Poli and Girard each contributed multiple hits.

The Wildcats played error-free defense and turned one double play.

Garden City managed five walks and three runs, with Skylar Brodie taking the loss after surrendering 13 runs, six of which were earned, over four innings.

In Game 2, the Wildcats carried their momentum into the matchup with Negaunee, opening the scoring in the first on an RBI single from Poli. Samp scored on a steal of home in the second and later hit a solo home run in the fifth to extend Alpena’s lead.

Samp also earned her second win of the day, pitching a complete game. She allowed six hits and three runs, only one earned, while striking out six. Offensively, she led Alpena with three hits and three stolen bases. Poli added two hits and two RBIs, while Lilly Rospierski also recorded a multi-hit game.

Negaunee was led by Rebecca Lammi, who drove in two runs on two hits, and Cassie Feys, who also had two hits. Despite the loss, Negaunee played a clean defensive game with no errors.

Alpena collected 10 hits in each game and improved its overall performance.

The Wildcats now head into another matchup with Garden City and Neguanee on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m.