The Wildcats were able to build some confidence right out of the gate by dominating Grayling is their season opener on Tuesday at the APlex.

“We usually play Grayling once a year. Sometimes we go there or they come here, but they don’t have indoor courts and we do, so they gave us a call and asked if we wanted to play inside and we jumped at the opportunity,” Giordano said. “It gives everyone a chance to work on some things and allows you to put some things into practice that you are looking at.”

The two teams played eight game pro sets which were shorter than a regular game, but it gave each roster a chance to expose all players to some early season action against a different opponent.

Alpena got a victory from everyone who took the court. Kayla Bullock defeated Riley Morley 8-2 at No. 1 singles, Kaitlyn Schultz shut out Jen Sheehan 8-0 at No. 2 singles, Yuka Yamano cruised past Brienna Shear 8-1 at No. 3 singles and Brynna Smith edged Bailey Millikin 8-5 at No. 4 singles.

News Photo by Jonny Zawacki Alpena’s Angela Salacata returns a serve during a No. 2 doubles match on Tuesday at the APlex.

“Today went well. We were able to get all eight matches and the best thing about playing Grayling is that they are good sports,” Giordano said. “How you do in the match is not necessarily the most important thing, but being able to get out there, play, work out the kinks, meet some new kids and have a good time is what we look at.”

The Wildcats doubles teams all won impressive matches and shut out their opponents by scores of 8-0. Katherine Sharp and Emily Kozlowski won at No. 1 doubles, Angela Salacata and Taylor Belanger were victorious at No. 2 doubles, Breann Kielizewski and Brianna Decker got a win at No. 3 doubles and Claire Butch and Emeline Hanna won at No. 4 doubles.

“It’s always nice to come up and play in Alpena because they have the luxury of playing indoors and we are grateful for being able to come here for our first matches of the season so we know what we need to work on,” Grayling coach Mark Sloan said. “It’s so important for us to be able to come up here and be able to work on our game more, because we haven’t had too many opportunities to get outside and practice, so to be able to come to Alpena’s beautiful indoor facility really is special and helps us out a lot.”

Opening up the new season on a positive note and building that confidence early in the season will likely help the Wildcats as they move on to what will be a busy and competitive start to their season.

“When you work on things and try to think about what you need to do and then you actually put it in play and actually see some success definitely builds on positive things for later,” Giordano said.

Alpena will be back in action on Monday when they travel to Traverse City to play in the Up North Challenge in which they will play three matches, followed by another three matches in Boyne City next Thursday.

Jonny Zawacki can be reached via email at jzawacki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5690.