OSCODA - Feb. 14, 2007 - Ogemaw Heights ensured that it would be at least within shouting distance of the league's top spot come this weekend's NEMC volleyball tournament as the Falcons defeated Oscoda 25-13, 23-25, 25-20, 25-16. Ogemaw can head into Saturday's round-robin in a three-way tie with Pinconning and Whittemore-Prescott for first place if it can win at John Glenn on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

"We came out strong in the first game and took charge on the floor," said Ogemaw coach Diane Gillette. "The second game we struggled in serve receive and setting the ball up for the attack. We stopped communicating and let Oscoda take over.

"We regrouped in the third game and started playing again like a team to take the league game. We started strong and ended up finishing strong."

For the Owls, it was another case of playing well for a stretch, but not for long enough to claim a victory.

"We once again had our act together and played very well against one of the top teams in the league," said Oscoda coach Linda Hennigar. "This was the third time we faced the Falcons and this is the first time we won a game against them.

"(After losing the first game) we adjusted our defense and were able to stop the tip attack and mount an attack of our own. We led the third game 15-10 but then we lost the ability to attack, and Ogemaw took control of the game (and match).

"After a dismal performance last weekend it was nice to get back on track. All the players really stepped up their game and played well."

Leading Ogemaw (4-1 NEMC) were Alicia Brown with 21 digs; Holly Wangler with 18 digs and 26 assists; Jamie Lucas with 12 digs, five aces and 12 kills; Kelly Rosebrugh with 12 digs and seven aces; Jordan Foster with five kills and Renee Wangler with five kills.

For the Owls (0-6), Margaret Negro had 10 kills, 17 service points, six tips and three blocks; Heather Patterson had seven kills and six digs; Arielle Beliveau had 16 points; Jeri Carl had six kills; Emily Schwedler had 17 assists; Krystin Inman had 11 assists and five digs; and Aubrey Thurston had seven digs. The Owls also served at 92 percent as a team.