LINCOLN-ALCONA - Feb. 15, 2007 - Arenac Eastern came the closest it has yet to a victory this season at Alcona on Thursday, falling in three games to the Tigers 25-22, 29-27, 25-18.

The Eagles were down 20-11 in the first game, but Briana Dery served six straight times to pull AE to within 20-17 before Alcona pulled out the win. The second game was tied three times down the stretch before Alcona earned the 29-27 victory.

"The girls never gave Alcona an inch," said AE coach Hannah Neil. "Alcona earned every point; we played very good defense."

The Tigers took advantage of some strong serving in the third game to win 25-18.

"They had a player whose serves would drop right in front of our players," Neil said. "That never discouraged them from trying.

"I am so proud of how AE played tonight and how they kept their spirits high."

Aleece Blata, Heather Bell, Briana Dery, Tiffany Wenkel and Lindsay Nelson each had multiple aces, while Nelson had three kills and Blata, Bell and Fink each had spikes.