News photo by Josh Jambor On Thursday, Freshman Wildcat Amelia Soltysiak is seen throwing a shot from beyond the arc in the second quarter of Alpena Wildcats girls varsity basketball team's loss to the Tawas Area Braves.

ALPENA – The Alpena Wildcats girls varsity basketball team gave a gutsy performance on Thursday night in their home opener against the Tawas Area Braves in a non-conference matchup. Despite their efforts, the Wildcats lost to the Braves, with a final score of 27-16.

It was a low-scoring night for both teams, Tawas leading at halftime with a second quarter final score of 10-11.

Midway through the third quarter, with Tawas ahead of Alpena with a score of 12-14, Freshman Guard Amelia Soltysiak scored three points, giving Alpena a one-point lead and bringing the home crowd to life.

Junior Guard Gia Lesneski, of Tawas, received a foul on the next offensive possession, going one of two from the free throw line, tying the game at 15-15.

The score after three quarters of play was 16-15, with the Braves holding on to a one-point lead.

The Braves offensive effort increased in the fourth quarter with more drives to the hoop and less shots from the perimeter. Tawas Junior Quinn Seyfried played a key role in that offensive effort to start the quarter, driving to the basket and drawing a foul. Seyfried connected on the free throw attempt, bringing the Tawas lead to 19-15.

The remainder of the fourth quarter played out much the same with Tawas in control of the game. The final score was 27-16 with the Braves improving to 2-0 on the season. Up next for Tawas is a trip on Dec. 17 to take on Hillman.

Alpena Head Coach Mark Toppi spoke on his team’s effort and his expectations with the young lineup. Entering the 2026 season, the Alpena Wildcats girls varsity basketball team features five freshmen on their roster.

“I wish we put up more points, but I am happy with their effort,” Toppi said.

“They were nervous, to have five freshmen on the varsity level, we are the only team in the conference to do that,” Toppi said. “Before the game, I told them I wanted maximum effort, and they did that. It gives us something to build on. They will get more comfortable as the year goes on.”

Alpena falls to 0-1 for the season. Next up for the Alpena Wildcats girls varsity basketball team is a matchup with Grayling at home on Dec. 16.

Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.