FIELD TWP - Employing a stingy defense and a wide array of scorers, seventh-seeded North Woods took down 10th-seeded Northeast Range 67-35 at home on Monday to open the Section 7A tournament.

Sophomores Bria Chiabotti and Regan Ratai led the way for North Woods offensively, with Chiabotti delivering 21 points and Ratai recording 15.

“We played as a team and were very energetic,” Ratai said. “We played pretty good overall.”

“We played well together,” Chiabotti said. “And shots were falling.”

Hanna Sandberg followed with 11 points for the Grizzlies, with Alli Sandberg scoring nine points and Kate Stone and Sasha Strong each picking up five.

Northeast Range received almost all of its offense from a trio of players.

Mikayla Mellesmoen netted 16 points to lead the Nighthawks, with Shayler Lislegard scoring 11 points and Lyric Johnson picking up seven.

North Woods advanced to take on second-seeded Bigfork, scheduled to be played on Thursday.

Play continues on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday, with all games in Hibbing.

No matter the result, the Grizzlies can use the experience next season, with all but one player due to return.

“(We’ve) improved a lot since last year, play better together as a team, which should help us in the playoffs,” Ratai said.

“(We) came together more as a team, built more skills,” Chiabotti said. “But still have a ways to go.”

Northeast Range finished the season with a record of 2-20. Seniors on the roster included Lyric Johnson, Ina Koivisto and Olivia Lilya.