MARQUETTE---The Marquette High School boys varsity soccer team made the most of the new ability to take part in the MHSAA State tournament.

Marquette beat Alpena, 3-0, Tuesday afternoon, at the Kaufman Sports Complex.

It's the first time U.P. teams have been allowed to participate in the statewide tournament in more than 15 years, and Marquette gets to be the host for the first two rounds.

"This was a great team win tonight," Marquette Coach Dan Salmon said. "All positions did their job. We also had some great fan support. It was pretty special to see all our fans show up and cheer loudly for this district game."

Freshman Finn Stiles scored the opening goal just one minute into the game off a Dixon Poggi corner kick. Then, in the second half, Kaleb Chipelewski scored twice, with assists from Ben Wilson and Charlie Hrodey. Goaltender Edan Hautamaki made it stand up, stopping all three shots he faced as the Marquette defense held the Wildcat attack at bay.

 

Marquette will now host Petoskey on Saturday at 1:00pm at Kaufman Sports Complex. Petoskey beat Gaylord, 2-1, Wednesday night, to earn the trip to the Upper Peninsula.

Marquette improves to 13-5 on the season.