OSCODA - Feb. 8, 2007 - The Oscoda volleyball team put forth its best effort yet on Wednesday, taking John Glenn to five games before losing a thriller. Glenn stayed on the fringes of the NEMC title chase with an 18-25, 25-17, 25-11, 24-26, 15-13 win over the Owls.

"This was the best match we have played this season," said Oscoda coach Linda Hennigar. "The ball crossed the net many times in most volleys and there was some excellent attacking and defense being played by both teams. Even though it was not a win, it was a moral victory. We played well, and we knew we had played well."

Hennigar said that the Owls controlled the opening game from the outset, but the third and fourth games were a combination of self-inflicted errors and an inability to mount an offensive attack.

Game 4 was close throughout, until the Owls' Kayla Young stepped to the service line with her team trailing 24-23 and served out the final three points.

The Owls took leads of 11-7 and 13-11 in the final game, but Glenn scored the final four points to take the win.

Leading the Owls (3-30-5, 0-6 NEMC) were Margaret Negro with eight kills, three tips, three blocks and 16 service points; Heather Patterson with five kills, two blocks, 15 points and 12 digs; Briana Findeisen with two blocks; Mariko Yamamoto with six aces, 21 points and nine digs; and Emily Schwedler with 15 assists.