The Sigourney Savage girls basketball team eliminated the Danville Bears Friday night in the regional semifinal round of the class 2A tournament at Highland High School 50-41.

The contest featured physical play and lots of defense. Sigourney held a slim 12-11 lead after one quarter and a 19-15 advantage at the half. The Savages made their move out of the locker room, starting the third quarter on a 7-0 run and turning that into a 12-1 run, growing their lead to 16 at it’s largest. Sigourney enjoyed a 33-22 cushion going to the fourth quarter. Down the stretch the Savages had to navigate foul trouble and the Danville trap. Things got tight for Sigourney late as Danville pulled within six points with just under four minutes to go, however the Savages used pressure defense and free throws to hold off the Bears down the stretch.

The Sigourney defense forced 26 Danville turnovers in the win. Autum Barthelman had a huge game for Sigourney, scoring 30 points and hitting eight fourth quarter free throws to help slam the door on the Bears.

With the win the Savages are now 20-4 on the season and advance to the regional final on Monday in Albia, one win away from their first state tournament berth since 1992 and their third in school history. The Savages will face No. 3 Central Decatur who was a 73-43 winner over the Pekin Panthers. Tip-off is set for 7PM Monday in Albia.