MANKATO — The Hayfield girls basketball team nearly pulled off a big upset, but instead it had its season end in a 58-48 loss to No. 1 seeded and No. 2 ranked New Richland-HEG (28-1 overall) in the Section 2AA South finals at the Taylor Center in Mankato Wednesday.

The No. 3 seeded Vikings (20-9 overall) led by three when they missed a lay-up with 4:30 left in the game. NRHEG took advantage when Carlie Wagner broke free for a lay-up and scored to pull the Panthers within one and NRHEG took the lead for good when it hit two free throws on its next possession.

While Wagner, a junior who has verbally committed to the University of Minnesota, made the big play, Hayfield’s Jessie Foster kept her in check for much of the night.

Foster, a junior guard, scored 20 points while helping hold Wagner to 19 points.

“Jessie did a fantastic job on her,” Hayfield assistant coach Kasey Krekling said. “She had the game of her season.”

Hayfield will graduate two seniors in Abby Pollock and Savnnah Gaylor.

“They gave us some great minutes, but we look to be back strong next season,” Krekling said.

Hayfield 28 20 — 48

NRHEG 26 32 — 58

Hayfield scoring: Jessie Foster, 20; Jo Bungum, 7; Dani Wagner, 6; Bhrett Zahnle, 5; Rachel Masching, 3; Alyssa Monahan, 3; Abby Pollock, 2; Grace Walker, 2; free throws: 60 percent (16-for-27)