“This was a good effort,” Oscoda coach Linda Hennigar said. “Everyone on the team came onto the court ready to play. We struggled against this team in our previous encounters, but not this time.”

Heather Davis' serving dominated the first game, and Hennigar said that the team's passing and hitting got stronger as the game progressed.

“It was probably the best game we played this season,” she said.

The second game was tied at 22-22 when Deanna Boughner stepped to the service line for the Owls and served the final three points. Oscoda controlled the third game from the start.

Leading the Owls were Georgia Welch with 9 kills and 5 blocks; Davis with 4 aces and 7 digs; Boughner with 19 service points; and Michelle Morse with 9 assists .

Leading the Panthers were Amanda Shirkey with 2 aces; Caitlin Luberda with 3 kills; Rachel Hartwick with 11 blocks; Brittany Riopelle with 6 assists; and Candace Campau and Inna Chakarova with 4 digs apiece.

Both squads were 1-3 in NEMC play after the match. The Panthers hots Pinconning on Feb. 10 for their final conference match before the league tournament; Oscoda travels to Tawas Area on Feb. 9.