ELY— The Timberwolves narrowly survived a late North Woods rally to advance in the Section 7A softball tournament here on Tuesday. Ely had held the Grizzlies scoreless through the first five innings and held fast to a 3-1 lead on the strength of Erika Mattson’s pitching performance.

But that’s when North Woods senior Claire Beaudry got the Grizzlies rally started with a single. Moments later, Hannah Sandberg ripped a shot over the right center fence to leave the game knotted at three, where it remained until the bottom of the seventh.

That’s when Mattson, a junior, singled and later scored on a Jenna Merhar double for the win. North Woods players threw two perfect relay strikes in hopes of a play at home, but the ball came loose on Mattson’s slide at the plate.

“It was an exciting playoff game and it was well-played by both teams,” said Ely Head Coach Tom McDonald.

Mattson took the win for the Wolves, allowing just five hits and three runs in seven innings, while fanning six batters. North Woods senior Alanna Rutchasky took the loss, giving up 13 hits and striking out three.

Mattson and Ely ninth-grader Charly Flom tallied three hits apiece, while senior Lida Dodge and eighth-grader Rachel Coughlin each tallied two.

Sandberg, a North Woods senior, proved the offensive powerhouse for the Grizzlies, posting a single, a double, and a home run on the afternoon.

For the Grizzlies, Tuesday’s loss means the end of the season. Meanwhile, Ely was set to face Carlton on Thursday, May 23, in Grand Rapids.