Courtesy photo Alpena junior Maddie Spomer eyes the opposing pitcher during game two of the team’s doubleheader against Cheboygan on Tuesday. The Wildcats bounced back from a game one loss and got the win in game two.

ALPENA – The Wildcats varsity softball team split a doubleheader with the Cheboygan Chiefs on Tuesday, losing game one 9-5, and bouncing back for a 13-4 game two win.

The win improves Alpena’s record to 10-2 for the season.

In game one Alpena held a 5-4 lead going into the top of the fifth inning after Madie Spomer hit a double, driving in three runs.

Cheboygan regained the lead in the top of the fifth inning, scoring three runs. They added to that lead in the top of the sixth inning thanks to a line drive single that scored one run, giving the Chiefs the 8-5 lead. The final run would come from a ground ball double to left field, giving Cheboygan the 9-5 advantage.

In game two the bats came alive for the Wildcats which posted 12 hits and 13 runs. Alpena had a big fifth inning, scoring six runs on four hits and two walks. That helped push the team to victory.

Lilly Rospierski and Laura Poli each had three hits, accounting for half of Alpena’s 12 hit total for the game. Bella Dickens added two hits for the Wildcats.

Earning the win on the mound was Lexie Souva who gave up four hits and two runs over two and one-third innings. Paige Samp came on in relief, giving up five hits and two runs while striking out four and walking one.

Alpena Head Coach Paul Marwede explained the difference between the game one loss and the victory in game two.

“The score does not indicate how the second game went; we had a big inning that broke it open late in the game,” Marwede said. “The bats came alive in game two, the more at bats we had, the more comfortable we got at the plate.”

Alpena is on the road next for a doubleheader against Hudsonville on Friday. Game one starts at 4:15 p.m. Then Alpena travels to Midland for a doubleheader on Saturday, with game one scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

“We have been looking forward to this weekend’s games with both Hudsonville and Midland since the schedule was generated in mid-winter,” Marwede said.