Tuesday night’s season opener in the Falls High School gym featured moments of domination by the Bronco girls basketball team, which led by as much as 21 points in the second half, only to see a large lead significantly narrow.

In the end, Falls held on to defeat Ely, 60-52.

“I thought we played well in spots, (and there were) other spots that maybe we didn’t play so well in,” said Broncos head coach Shawn Gilbert. “But a win is a win. I like to get that first one.”

Falls senior guard Hanna Heibel sank the first of three 3-pointers to even the game at 6-6 to start a 13-0 scoring run for the Broncos.

However, Ely narrowed the deficit to as little as two points late in the first half after Falls junior center Jenna Vergeldt picked up her second foul with 7:09 before halftime and left the game until the second half. The Broncos led 29-24 at intermission.

“It’s really nice having Jenna in there, of course,” Gilbert said. “But we wanted to definitely make sure she had enough fouls for the second half, so when she picked up her second one we definitely wanted to make sure we had her for the second half.”

Vergeldt recorded a ‘double double’ by leading the Broncos with 18 points and 16 rebounds. She also recorded three blocked shots.

Junior guard Rachel Foss was the only other Falls player to score in double figures with 11 and also hauled in nine rebounds.

Ely’s Mariah McDonald scored a game-high 26 as the majority of her points came in the second half to fuel the Timberwolves’ late comeback that fell short.

“She’s always tough,” Gilbert said. “I’m definitely glad she’s a senior. We’ve been playing her the past five years.”

Gilbert said switching to a 1-3-1 zone defense caught Ely off guard and was key to the Broncos’ victory.

“That was the story of the second half,” he said.

Falls will be back in action Friday night when the Broncos host Deer River.

I. Falls 60, Ely 52

Ely 24 28 — 52

I. Falls 29 31 — 60

I. Falls: Reva Renollet 6, Sophie Fredrickson 6, Rachel Foss 11, Anah Schwartz 4, Sara Christianson 6, Hanna Heibel 9, Jenna Vergeldt 18. 3-pointers: Heibel 3, Foss. Free throws: 10-13. Fouls 12.

Ely: Marlee Muhvich 10, Mariah McDonald 26, Megan McDonald 4, Natalie McDonald 2, Erin Muhvich 10. 3-pointers: M. Muhvich 2, Ma. McDonald, Me. McDonald. Free throws: 6-9. Fouls: 16. Fouled out: Me. McDonald.