EVELETH—The Grizzlies showed promise here in the early-going on Tuesday night, but let the Golden Bears rally to win in four sets, 16-25, 15-25, 25-21, and 17-25.

The Grizzlies let a big lead slip away in the first set, allowing Eveleth-Gilbert to make a 20-4 run for the win after they had trailed 12-5 early in the set. North Woods took the early lead in the second set before yet another burst by the Golden Bears put it away.

“We learned on-the-floor communication is critical for our team,” said Grizzlies Head Coach Kandi Olson. “When we communicated well we played well.”

Seniors Coley Olson and Karlyn Pierce both had big nights despite the loss. Olson tallied 11 kills, 11 assists, and 19 digs, while Pierce posted 11 kills and seven blocks. Eighth-grader Tori Olson had 21 digs, while senior Kenzie Fox added four ace serves.

In Monday action on their home court, North Woods held on through an up-and-down match with Deer River to top the Warriors in five sets. North Woods won 25-13, 23-25, 25-15, 21-25, and 15-6.

“They were really roller coaster games,” said Coach Olson. “We had to learn to overcome a deficit and how to maintain a lead.”

Coley Olson had another strong performance, with 22 kills, eight sets, and 11 digs, while sophomore Olivia Udovich posted 12 digs and 20 set assists. Sophomore Abbi Shuster added nine digs and four ace serves.