MARYSVILLE — The Eagles kept their playoff hopes alive with a big win over Marysville-Pilchuck Jan. 26.

“This was a really big one for us,” said Arlington coach Nathan Davis after the 50-46 win. “We really tried to focus on defense and I thought we were very tough.”

The Eagles maintained control for most of a Wesco North game where the largest lead was six by controlling the key. With junior Kaiti Ferro and Lindsay Brown recording eight blocks apiece, Arlington was able to force the Tommies to the perimeter on a night when M-P’s shots weren’t falling.

“They deserve a lot of the credit tonight,” said Davis. “Kaiti and Lindsay really took charge in the key tonight, getting rebounds and keeping them outside.”

The Eagles swept the Tommies this season as they won an earlier game 49-43, Dec. 10.

Leading the charge offensively was junior guard Lauren Grogan, who was able to show off her mid-range game, making a number of jumpers and runners just inside the key to the tune of 14 points.

Heading into the night, Arlington had to win three of its next four games for a shot at the final seed in the district tournament. With opponents like Lake Stevens, Monroe and Snohomish on the schedule, that is a tall order, but not out of reach.

The Eagles showed they are capable of controlling a close game, as they didn’t allow the Tomahawks to have a lead for more than two quarters despite such a close score. They took care of the ball when needed and forced turnovers at crucial possessions.

It was only when the game pace quickened that the Eagles let M-P make short runs of 4-0 or 5-0.

Grogan was one of three Eagles to score nine or more points, as guard Megan Abdo added 10 and Ferro had nine.

The outcome was still up in the air in the final minutes, but led by Abdo’s four free throws, Arlington kept M-P at arm’s length.