News Photo by James Andersen Alpena’s Kate Skiba (6) hits a ball over the net during a match against Cheboygan during the annual Alpena volleyball quad.

The Alpena volleyball team had a perfect day on Thursday.

Hosting their annual home quad, the Wildcats didn’t lose a single match on the way to beating Cheboygan, Hillman and Rogers City in three sets each.

“We did a good job of executing a lot of different offenses,” Alpena coach Melissa Doubek said. “I saw some of our younger kids improve from their first outing.”

Several Alpena players had big days offensively. Kami Schultz had 14 kills, Jade Gray had 20 kills and 34 assists, Allie DeRocher had 20 kills and six aces, Kate Skiba had 25 kills and six aces and Emilee Spomer had a solid day at the service line, serving up 14 aces.

The Wildcats have kept busy since their season began last weekend in Sault Ste. Marie. Alpena played at a quad in Bellaire earlier this week before Thursday’s quad and Doubek said her team will keep working hard as long as they’re able to play.

“We’re all counting are blessings that we’re allowed to play. We’re fortunate enough to get to play,” Doubek said. “We’re excited and we’re going to keep working hard.”

Alpena returns to action on Wednesday in Gaylord.

Hillman dropped all three of its matches, losing to Rogers City (13-25, 25-23, 16-25), Alpena (5-25, 10-25, 10-25) and Cheboygan (10-25, 21-25, 26-24), but the Tigers played hard and coach Kim Weiland said the team is still working out a few kinks early in the season.

Hillman got contributions throughout its lineup on Thursday, including strong passing from sophomore Julia Taratuta, strong serving from senior Jessica Jones and solid offense from senior Melanie Morrison.

“We’re still trying to put everything together and find that rotation that works well, plus (we’re trying) to get used to the new rules and regulations with COVID,” Weiland said.

GIRLS GOLF

Ellis leads Alpena at Altimore Invite

MIDLAND–The Alpena High School girls golf team competed at the Frank Altimore Invitational in Midland on Thursday. After a two hour rain delay, the Wildcats finished with a team score of 466.

Kennedy Ellis led the team with an 11th place overall, 92. Brianna Boyk shot 121, Rebekah Carlson shot 124, Amelia Carlson shot 129 and Sydney Silver shot 130.

Alpena competes again at the Traverse City West Invitational on Tuesday.