OSCODA - Jan. 24, 2006 - There usually aren't many bright spots on the losing end of a volleyball sweep, but the Oscoda Owls saw plenty of those, especially in the last two games of their 25-13, 25-19, 25-23 loss to perennial champion Pinconning on Wednesday.

After a series of defensive breakdowns helped Pinny coast to a first-game win, the Owls picked it up in the second game.

"We were not able to attack the ball (in the first game) because our first touch was sending the ball back across the net," said Oscoda coach Linda Hennigar. "The second game our passing improved and we even held a 19-13 lead before Pinny scored 11 straight points, mostly on our errors."

The Owls held a 23-21 lead in the third game, but a miss serve gave the Spartans the ball and Pinny served out the last three points for the win.

"In the third game we played the best we have all season," Hennigar said. "We didn't pick up a win but I felt we played fairly well, particularly in the second and third games of the match."

The Owls were led by Deanna Boughner with seven kills, 9-of-9 serving and eight points; Emily Schwedler and Jill Sanderson with three assists apiece; Sanderson with 13-of-13 serving and 12 points; Katie Capus with four aces; and Riley Shelton with eight digs.