RAPID RIVER — Putting the ball through the hoop was a major struggle for two area girls’ basketball teams here Tuesday night.

The Manistique Emeralds, however, hit just enough free throws to post a 26-19 season-opening victory over the Rapid River Rockets.

Manistique sank just seven field goals but hit 10-of-20 free throws in Jenna Bradshaw’s debut as Emeralds’ head coach.

“We’re pretty consistent on free throws,” she said. “We ran everything we wanted to and were getting the looks we wanted. But, we kept falling short. We just couldn’t hit layups. You can practice as hard as you want, but it’s not the same as playing a game. I thought the girls did real well in our defense. We know what we have to do going forward.”

The Rockets, also as cold as the great outdoors, hit 8-of-45 shots and 2-of-6 gifters.

“We didn’t take care of the ball, and the shots didn’t seem to fall when we had them,” said Rockets’ coach Scott Goodacre. “Maybe we were a little rusty. There’s only so much you can do in practice. We’re absolutely thankful to get a game in.”

Rapid River took a 12-10 lead on a free throw by senior Natalie Belanger midway through the second quarter. Neither team scored again before halftime.

Junior Brooke St. John drained four three throws to opened the third stanza, enabling the Emeralds to take a 14-12 lead.

Senior Kayla Muth added a gifter to make it 15-12 midway through the third, and a layup by senior Cecilia Pilon brought the Rockets within 15-14 at 3:33. Again, neither team scored through the remainder of that frame.

The Emeralds got the first seven points in the fourth, gaining an insurmountable 22-14 cushion on a free throw by junior Baylee Allor.

St. John led the Emeralds with 14 points. Belanger paced the Rockets with eight.

“I thought we were really good on defense, and they did a pretty good job holding Natalie down,” said coach Goodacre.

Manistique committed 16 turnovers, and Rapid River had 20.

The Emeralds, who also won the jayvee game, travel to Westwood Friday. The Rockets host Carney-Nadeau Thursday.

Manistique 9 1 5 11 — 26

Rapid River 7 5 2 5 — 19

Manistique — Zellar 2, Allor 3, Kingren 1, Muth 6, St. John 14. FT: 10-20; F: 10; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Muth, St. John.

Rapid River — Pilon 6, Goodacre 5, Belanger 8. FT: 2-6; F: 13; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goal: Goodacre.