When the dust settled last night on Bob Hilmer Court at WACO High School, it was the home Warrior girls capturing a 45-30 victory over Burlington Notre Dame in a game heard live on KCII.

The Warriors got out of the gates strong, leading by a bucket after the first, and by four at the half, powered by six first period points by Carlee Lunsford. Season-long leaders Brenna Graber and Ella Huisenga had four each at intermission. Out of the locker rooms, WACO turned up the wick on the Nikes, having their best offensive output in the third frame with 14 points. Graber and Huisenga had 10 of those 14. The gap was still manageable for BND heading into the fourth, with the deficit sitting at seven. However, WACO’s defense would come through, only allowing three points to the Nikes on zero field goals to preserve the win.

Unofficially, the Warriors won all sides of the matchup, including nearly doubling up BND on rebounds, and committing seven fewer turnovers. Washington County Hospital and Clinics Player of the Game, Brenna Graber, led WACO with 16, followed by Huisenga’s 13 and Lunsford’s six. Lunsford spoke with KCII Sports live on the postgame show to discuss the victory. “We just had to do what we do best,” Lunsford said. “I feel like we’re a strong defensive team, but we also work really good together offensively.”

The Nikes were led by 12 points from Daisy Hazell.

With their win, the Warriors move to 15-8 overall, and will face Sigourney in the Class 1A Region 7 Quarterfinals next Tuesday. Burlington Notre Dame ends their season at 5-17.