WHITTEMORE-PRESCOTT - Jan. 3, 2007 - Whittemore-Prescott pulled together for a dominating fifth game Wednesday and staved off an upset bid by the Oscoda volleyball squad, 25-18, 21-25, 25-15, 17-25, 15-5.

"The girls had to adapt to an unplanned lineup change," said W-P coach Helen Loomis. "Our overall play was not very consistent. Our serving was good and Catherine Daniels had a great net game defensively."

Daniels finished with 14 kills and 5 blocks to go with 11 aces and 17 service points. Erica Loomis had 14 kills, 14 digs and 3 aces; Ashley Foco added 6 kills and 8 service points; Madie O'Farrell had 14 points and 2 aces; Stephanie Aviles had 25 assists; Heather Popielarz had 2 blocks and Katie Borushko added 12 digs.

The Cards had swept the Owls in two previous non-conference meetings early in the season, but had a battle on their hands in the NEMC opener for both teams after Oscoda responded to each W-P game victory with a win of its own.

"The girls managed to maintain their composure and have a strong fifth game to decide the match," Loomis said.

W-P improved to 9-2 (1-0 NEMC) and plays at Standish-Sterling on Jan. 10. Oscoda fell to 0-1 NEMC.