Sports photo by Steve Jakubcin Alpena’s Emalee Parsons positions herself on third base hoping to score during girls softball action in Alpena on Thursday. The Wildcats swept a doubleheader over Cadillac both via the mercy rule.

ALPENA – The Alpena Wildcats varsity softball team started the season strong, winning both games of their double header 11-1, and 16-3, against the Cadillac Vikings, at home on Thursday.

Both games concluded in the fifth inning because of Alpena’s large run differential.

The Wildcats started the game fast, scoring eight of their 11 runs in the first inning. Alpena Head Coach Paul Marwede said he was pleased with his team’s fast start.

“Having a big first inning was a great way to start the season, and it was exciting for the kids to have a fast start,” Marwede said. “I think we executed well for the first games of the season, it was a great starting point to build off of going forward.”

There will not be any slowing down for the Wildcats, who have a packed schedule with highly competitive opponents throughout the season.

“We have a competitive schedule put together to learn and grow everyday and get better as the season goes along and put ourselves in the best position possible heading into postseason play,” Marwede said.

After a couple of games downstate this weekend, the Wildcats return home Monday for a matchup against Cheboygan, and Tuesday for a game against Sault Ste Marie, both games are scheduled to begin at 4pm.

The Wildcats have 10 players from last year’s team returning this season, and three new freshmen.