The Wildcats end their regular season with a record of 18-17 and 3-7 in the Big North Conference.

The girls will now move to district play which will begin on Saturday at Traverse City Central where they will faceoff with Traverse City West at noon.

Both games were competitive, but despite the team’s best effort, the Wildcats dropped Game 1 by a score of 7-4 and its comeback in Game 2 fell short, as the Northmen help on for a 6-4 victory.

Game 1: Petoskey 7, Alpena 4

News Photo by Leslianne Johns The Alpena Wildcat softball team huddles together in a game against Petoskey on Tuesday. Alpena lost the double header by scores of 7-4 and 6-4.

Alpena built early momentum with a three-run fourth inning and added another in the eighth, but Petoskey responded with runs in the sixth and seventh innings, sealing the win with three more in the ninth. Both teams finished with eight hits, though Petoskey capitalized more effectively in clutch situations.

Emmi Ruby led Alpena at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored. Ava Rospierski and Addison Christensen also contributed on the bases, and Laura Poli chipped in with a double.

Paige Samp pitched all nine innings for Alpena, allowing eight hits, five earned runs, and striking out five across 135 pitches. Defensively, the Wildcats held strong with no errors, while Petoskey committed three.

Petoskey’s offensive charge was powered by home runs from Lyla Janes and Rachel Slater. Bre VerCautren pitched a complete game for the Northmen, striking out 15 batters while walking three and allowing eight hits.

Game 2: Petoskey 6, Alpena 4

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Alpena’s Ava Rospierski stands ready at the plate on Tuesday in a softball game against Petoskey.

Alpena struck early in the rematch, scoring two in the first inning and tacking on runs in the sixth and seventh. However, Petoskey’s four-run sixth inning proved decisive. Despite Alpena outhitting Petoskey in the early frames, timely hits and defensive errors made the difference late in the game.

Lilly Rospierski had a standout performance, going 3-for-4 and scoring two runs. Paige Samp added a solo home run and a stolen base, while Georgia Alberts and Laura Poli each recorded a hit. Ava Rospierski also pitched a complete game, allowing nine hits and four earned runs while striking out four in seven innings.

Petoskey’s Avery Leist earned the win on the mound, giving up five hits and one earned run across six innings while striking out six. VerCautren returned in relief to close the game in the seventh.

Despite strong efforts in both games, Alpena couldn’t overcome late-inning surges by the Northmen. The Wildcats showed balance and resilience, but Petoskey’s opportunistic hitting and timely pitching gave them the edge in both contests.