We've gone against an alliance four times in a row, as well. First time beating on them. Second time beating on them even more. Third time was closer than the previous two. The fourth time was within 5 or 6. And we improved our own scores every single time, too.
Good luck. 97/125 is still nearly 80% of your stars. If they increase 10% and you remain the same, it makes it tighter.