Claire Heilman (Photo by Noah Clooten)

Claire Heilman (Photo by Noah Clooten)

DEVILS LAKE — The Firebirds trailed by three at halftime.

They won by 23.

No. 2 Devils Lake (3-0, 1-0) took a scare in its Region 2 opener against Carrington (4-1, 2-1) at the Devils Lake Sports Center on Monday. It was held to just five points in a second quarter that saw Carrington spring into the lead, 26-23 at halftime.

But the Firebirds outscored the Cardinals 29-7 in the third quarter. They were fueled by a 14-0 run and seven points by Torri Fee. They went nearly the entire fourth quarter without allowing a field goal, and ended up winning a luxurious 62-39 contest.

“I think mentally, we’ve been there, done that,” Devils Lake head coach Justin Klein said. “They didn’t quit. They knew it at halftime. We didn’t have to say too much; they knew it and they came out and responded well, especially at home with a nice crowd. Region win.”

Claire Heilman led the Firebirds with 11 points off the bench, while Tylie Brodina and Jolie Martinson each put up 10. It was 39-13 in favor of Devils Lake after the half.

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