News Photo by James Andersen Alpena's Kaitlyn Schultz returns a ball against her Cadillac opponent during a two singles match at Alpena High School on Monday. Schultz lost her match 2-6, 3-6 and Cadillac won the match 6-2 over the Wildcats.

Battling the elements, the Alpena girls tennis team showed a fair amount of fight on Monday against Cadillac in a Big North Conference tilt, but the Vikings ultimately got the better of the Wildcats and won 6-2.

“Without a doubt, we were right there with them most of the day,” Alpena coach Charlie Giordano said. “There were lots of deuces, lots of long points.”

Giordano was encouraged by Alpena’s showing, particularly later in matches. In four flights, the Wildcats showed improvement from set one to set two with Alpena winning the second set after losing the first one in two of those.

“Most of the second sets were better than the first sets and that shows we did some good things,” Giordano said.

Alpena wins came at third and fourth singles as Yuka Yamato won at three singles 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 and Brynna Smith won at four singles 7-3 in a tiebreaker, 5-7, 6-0.

Kayla Bullock lost at one singles 1-6, 3-6 and Kate Schultz lost at two singles 2-6, 3-6.

The wind was a factor all day and although the wind can aid players in matches, Giordano said it also brings some challenges.

“The ball carries differently. With the wind in your face, you can hit the ball a little harder and it will carry,” Giordano said. “With the wind at your back, the wind picks up the shot and carries it out. It messes with your footwork and your timing.”

Alpena’s one doubles team of Emily Kozlowski and Katherine Sharp lost 2-6, 3-6 and Alpena’s two doubles team of Breann Kieliszewski and Taylor Belanger lost 3-6, 2-6. Alpena’s three doubles team of Marissa Centala and Angela Salacata lost 3-6, 6-2, 5-7 and Alpena’s four doubles team of Emeline Hanna and Claire Butch lost 2-6, 4-6.

“We did better than we did against them last year. Cadillac has a solid team with solid athletes,” Giordano said. “They don’t play a lot of tennis, but they have really good athletes who know how to play.”

Alpena hosts Traverse City West at 4 p.m. today.

James Andersen can be reached via email at sports@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5694. Follow James on Twitter @ja_alpenanews.