News photo by Josh Jambor Alpena Freshman guard Emma Kinsel drives to the basket for a heavily contested layup in the fourth quarter of Alpena’s loss to Traverse City West on Tuesday.

ALPENA – Despite a valiant effort, the Alpena Wildcats, 3-16, varsity girls basketball team lost to Traverse City West Titans, 5-7, by a score of 56-28

Freshman Bella Dickens got the offense started for Alpena, driving to the basket and connecting on a lay-up, after freshman Amelia Soltysiak delivered a perfect pass as Dickens cut to the basket.

The Wildcats held a one-point lead midway through the first quarter. Unfortunately, as the first quarter ended, and the second quarter began, Traverse City went on 13-2.

Early in the game, when it seemed as though Traverse City might pull away from Alpena, the Wildcats fought their way back.

Midway through the second quarter of play, the Titans held onto a 16-6 lead. On the ensuing offensive possession freshman Emma Darga knocked down a three-pointer to cut the lead to seven.

After the first half of action, TC West led Alpena by a score of 21 to 15.

Despite a gritty effort throughout the entire game, that was as close as the Wildcats would get the rest of the way.

Alpena Head Coach Mark Toppi said after the game that he believed his team played well in the first half and commended its effort against the Titans.

“I was happy with our effort, being down six points at halftime was a positive, I felt we battled the entire game,” Toppi said.

With the season winding down, Toppi is hopeful his young team, which included five freshmen, can continue improving while gaining valuable experience.

“We are focusing on getting a little better every practice, every game, and I think we did that tonight,” Toppi added.

Freshman Bella Dickens led all Alpena scorers with 11 points.