SAULT STE. MARIE – The Alpena Wildcats volleyball team showed grit and determination on the road Monday night, battling back after a narrow first-set loss to defeat Sault Ste. Marie in four sets. The final scores were 25-27, 25-20, 25-17, 25-22.

After dropping the first set in a nail-biter, the Wildcats found their rhythm and never looked back, dominating both at the net and in the back row.

The front row came alive with strong performances by Madelynn Cameron, Emalee Parsons, and Grace Cameron, who delivered key blocks that slowed the Soo’s attack. On offense, the Wildcats found success with powerful hitting from Kaila Girard, Paige Samp, Lilly Rospierski, and Madelynn Cameron, who all contributed to Alpena’s offensive surge.

The back row was equally solid, with Emily VanHorn, Ashlyn Gray, and Laura Poli making several crucial digs to keep rallies alive and frustrate the Soo’s hitters.

“Our front row was relentless tonight, and our back row was ready for everything they threw at us,” said head coach Kolby Andrews. “It was a true team win.”

This victory marks Alpena’s second conference win of the season, following a clean sweep over Gaylord earlier in the season.

With momentum building, the Wildcats look ahead to their next matchup as they continue to climb the conference standings. The Wildcats play at home on Wednesday, Oct. 15 when they host Traverse City Central for their annual pink out game. There will be raffles, bake sales and other events to raise money for Friends Together of Alpena.