Stephanie Aviles plays a ball off the net at Saturday's NEMC finals.
Brent Baker
Erin Grezeszak receives a serve at Saturday's North East Michigan Conference volleyball finals.

OSCODA - Feb. 25, 2006 - Whittemore-Prescott got off to a slow start at Saturday's North East Michigan Conference volleyball tournament, gave Pinconning a battle and ended up with an up-and-down performance in winning two of six matches in the round-robin format tourney.

W-P lost to Ogemaw Heights 13-25, 19-25, fell to Pinconning 15-25, 26-28, lost to Oscoda 24-26, 25-16, 23-25; defeated Tawas 25-19, 25-23, lost to John Glenn 18-25, 15-25 and topped Standish-Sterling 19-25, 25-12, 25-12.

The second game against Pinconning was the highlight of the day for W-P coach Helen Loomis.

"After a real slow start in the first three games, I was very happy with the game they gave Pinconning," Loomis said. "Everyone hustled and our net game was awesome.

"Unfortunately after losing such a close game and playing so well, they were unable to get it going again against Oscoda and John Glenn. Overall I don't believe all of our players had their best games. I was hoping to go at least 3-3.

"I think the game they had with Pinny will help them for next week at districts," Loomis said. "They now know they can play at a higher level."

Stephanie Aviles had 60 assists and 35 digs; Catherine Daniels had 39 service points, 12 aces, 11 blocks and 18 spike kills; Erin Grezeszak had 39 points, seven aces and 48 digs; Madie O'Farrell had nine aces; and Erica Loomis had 44 spike kills, 58 digs and five aces.

The Cards (23-18-3) finished 4-8 in NEMC play and take on Mio AuSable in the 9 a.m. contest at the Sanford-Meridian district on Saturday.