ELY – The Nighthawks scored first, but Ely scored often as the Wolves routed Northeast Range 73-25 on a seniors’ night.

The Wolves used their full court press to pressure the Nighthawks early, and Ely took advantage with numerous layups and other gimmes en route to their big win.

“Overall it was a good team victory,” said Ely Head Coach Darren Visser. “Our girls worked hard on defense which gave them many great opportunities on offense.”

The winless Nighthawks never gave up and battled to the end. The suffocating defense that Ely played all game limited the scoring opportunities for the Nighthawks.

Ely had some big performances and was led by senior Shayla Zaverl with a team-leading 30 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists. Erika Mattson had 16 points and nine rebounds while Brielle Kallberg added 14 points. Fellow senior Kalley Fischer notched six points.

Nighthawks junior guard Shayler Lislegard was tireless as she scored 20 of her team’s 25 points. She also tried to crack Ely’s full court pressure.

Ely 71, Chisholm 37

Ely traveled to Chisholm on Thursday and cruised to a 71-37 victory.

“In the first half Chisholm did a very good job of hanging around but in the second our team really stepped up,” said Visser. “We played good team ball and were able to go away with a convincing win.”

Erika Mattson led the charge, with a team leading 33 points and 14 rebounds. Brielle Kallberg had 16 points to go with ten rebounds while Shayla Zaverl added 16 points and nine rebounds.

The win ended a four-game losing streak for the Wolves. The girls now have just nine scheduled games remaining and will play seven of those on the road. They’ll face MI-B on Monday and host Mesabi East next Thursday.