BEALLSVILLE — The homesteading Blue Devils avoided being a first-round upset victim by pulling out a hard-fought 33-32 victory over Newcomerstown in Division VI sectional tournament action.

The Blue Devils and Trojans were tied at 27 after three.

Beallsville was led by Hallie Bommer’s 17 and Makenna Phillips’ 12.

The Blue Devils are back in action Saturday at Shadyside.

Monroe Central 65, Conotton Valley 15

WOODSFIELD — Kalista Friday scored 20 points, charted seven steals and handed out five assists as the second-seeded Seminoles (17-5) rolled past the visiting Rockets.

Kynzi Bishop added 17 points and seven rebounds for Monroe Central. Haylyn Hiles knocked down four triples en route to 14 points.

Monroe Central hosts Caldwell Saturday at 1 p.m. The Redskins defeated Toronto on Wednesday.

River 53, Malvern 42

MALVERN — Invading River pulled an opening-round upset over the fourth-seeded Hornet thanks to an impressive second and third quarter.

During that span, the Pilots outscored the Hornets, 34-13.

All told, freshman Kelsey Harlan led River with 17 points. Junior Hannah Raper added 10 and Rylie Knight finished with nine.

River (8-11) is back in action Saturday at Frontier, which dispatched Steubenville Catholic in the opening round.