BABBITT – The Northeast Range/Ely girls varsity swim team was up by as many as eight points midway through their final dual meet of the season last week, but couldn’t hold off a visiting Virginia team that rallied to pull out a victory.
“We lost by just two points (48-46), and it came down to our last relay,” said Coach Cheri Debeltz. “We just could not hold off the Virginia girls to take a third place in that event, and ended up placing first and fourth (in the 400 relay).” 
The Blue Devils took a lead in overall points in the second-to-last event with a one-two finish in the 100 Breast Stroke.
The Nighthawks had five first places for the night: Morgan McClelland, 200 Freestyle, 2:19.78; Lily Tedrick, 200 Individual Medley, 2:37.6; Kelly Thompson, 100 Freestyle, 1:04.62; Tedrick, McClelland, Anna Larson, Kelly Thompson, 200 Relay, 1:57.31; and Tedrick, McClelland, Cedar Olhauser, Thompson, 400 Relay, 4:18.66.
“We are very proud of the girls for the season we have had and are looking forward to our section swim meet on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Mesabi East,” Debeltz said.