PETOSKEY — The Alpena High boys soccer team continues to live up to its No. 13 ranking in the state and passed its first Big North Conference test of the season as the Wildcats came away with their sixth consecutive win as they defeated Petoskey by a score of 2-0 on Thursday night.

“Looking back at the tie to begin the year, I think that was the wake up call that we needed,” Alpena coach Tim Storch said. “To win our first BNC game of the year is huge because now you put yourselves in a position to be chased rather than be the chaser. It’s a long season, but so far we have been able to live up to our state ranking.”

Alpena took a one goal lead after one half of play when Kyle Barbeau scored 20 minutes into the game on an assist from Ivo Arvidsson-Ullberg.

The Wildcats struck again and extended the lead 20 minutes into the second half. This time it was Craig Tagliareni finding the back of the net on the second assist of the night from Arvidsson-Ullberg.

A strong defensive effort by Hunter Canute, Kolton Goebel, Jack Hamp, Jake Schiller and goalkeeper Wenton Harrison allowed Alpena to hang onto the victory and improve the Wildcats’ record to 6-0-1 on the year and begin 1-0 in BNC play.

“To earn a shut out win against a quality team speaks volumes about how our defense played and how strong our goalkeeping was tonight,” Storch said. “Petoskey is always one of those teams that is competitive in the conference and for us to go on the road, beat them and earn a few points is huge.”

Alpena has now outscored its opponents 37-0 during this six game winning streak and the Wildcats will look to make it seven in a row when they return to action on Monday when they travel to Harbor Springs.

VOLLEYBALL

Alpena swept by TC Central

TRAVERSE CITY — The Alpena High volleyball team traveled to Traverse City Central on Wednesday and were swept by the rival Trojans, losing by scores of 25-23, 25-12 and 25-13.

Edie Zann led the Wildcats with seven kills and two blocks. Kami Schultz and Allie DeRocher each added six kills.

The Alpena JV and freshman teams were both victorious, defeating Central.

Alcona sweeps Atlanta

ATLANTA — The Alcona volleyball team earned a convincing road sweep over Atlanta on Thursday as the Tigers topped the Huskies by scores of 25-13, 25-10 and 25-8.

Lily Bilbey lead Alcona with 11 aces. Brooke Pagels delivered 16 kills and Annabelle Rowe paced the defense with 12 digs.

The Huskies were led by Hailee Brown who recorded two kills and 10 digs and Shaelynne Alance chipped in with three kills and six digs.

The two teams will meet again on Wednesday in Alcona.

The Atlanta JV team also fell to Alcona, losing by scores of 25-10, 25-8 and 25-5. Gabby Parker and Chloe Cronka provided a strong defensive effort for the Huskies.

GOLF

Wildcats tee off at Petoskey

PETOSKEY — The Alpena High girls golf team traveled to Petoskey on Thursday to compete at the Bay View Country Club.

The Wildcats shot 524 as a team and were led by Kennedy Ellis who finished fifth overall and shot a 92 on the day.