OSCODA - Jan. 4, 2006 - Whittemore-Prescott made its North East Michigan Conference debut Wednesday a successful one as the Cardinals took a 25-12, 25-17, 25-23 at Oscoda.

"I thought the girls' overall play was pretty good," said W-P coach Helen Loomis. "(Catherine) Daniels had her best night ever at the net."

Daniels led the Cards with 10 kills, two blocks, eight digs, four aces and nine service points.

Oscoda coach Linda Hennigar was encouraged by the fact that the Owls improved as the match progressed.

"We got off to a slow start in the first game," she said. "Because we were having difficulty passing the ball we were not able to mount much of an attack.

"In the second game our passing improved, which allowed us more opportunity to attack the ball. The third game was our best-played game."

The Owls held a 22-21 lead in the third game, but Hennigar said that the passing woes that plagued them early on returned, contributing to W-P's late comeback.

"Our serving fell apart in (the third game)," Loomis said. "We were able to remain patient and get the win."

"Our overall play continues to show improvement," Hennigar said. "Katie Kapus really stepped up all phases of her game and Margaret Negro was more productive at the net."

Deanna Boughner led the Owls with five kills, three blocks, 13-of-13 serving with two aces and three digs. Negro added four kills, Kapus was 12-of-12 serving with four aces; Jill Sanderson had four assists and Riley Shelton added four digs.

Also leading W-P were Madie O'Farrell with 15 service points, Erin Grezeszak with six aces and Stephanie Aviles with eight assists.

The Owls dropped to 1-11-2 overall (0-1 NEMC) with the loss, while the Cards improved to 6-4-1 (1-0). It was W-P's first league win after rejoining the NEMC this season.

"It was enjoyable to get our first NEMC victory," Loomis said."