Viking girls step up on defense in semifinal win over Dover-Eyota

Published 12:22 am Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Hayfield's Bhrett Zahnle is fouleed by Dover-Eyota's Megan Hintz in the Section 1AA West semfinals in Mayo Civic Auditorium Monday. -- Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

Hayfield’s Bhrett Zahnle is fouleed by Dover-Eyota’s Megan Hintz in the Section 1AA West semfinals in Mayo Civic Auditorium Monday. — Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

ROCHESTER — Hayfield senior Dani Wagner gave the Vikings a boost on offense and the team did solid work on defense as it topped No. 3 seeded Dover-Eyota (22-4 overall) 56-42 in the Section 1AA West semifinals in Mayo Civic Center Monday.

Hayfield's Jessie Foster attacks the hoop against the defense of Dover-Eyota's Danielle Higgins in the Section 1AA West semifinals in Mayo Civic Auditorium Monday. -- Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

Hayfield’s Jessie Foster attacks the hoop against the defense of Dover-Eyota’s Danielle Higgins in the Section 1AA West semifinals in Mayo Civic Auditorium Monday. — Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

No. 2 seeded Hayfield (21-5 overall) led by five in the second half when Bhrett Zahnle hit a 3-pointer to push the lead back to eight and the Vikings stayed in control as they forced 27 turnovers on the night.

Wagner scored 24 points to pace Hayfield.

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“We used a lot of pressure defense and we got some turnovers and easy baskets,” Hayfield head coach Fred Kindschy said. “It’s a very nice win for us over a very tall and talented Dover-Eyota team.”

Hayfield will take on top-seeded Kenyon-Wanamingo in the Section 1AA West finals in Mayo Civic Auditorium Saturday at 8 p.m.

The Knights, who are ranked No. 2 in Class AA, edged out the Vikings 51-47 Dec. 10.

DE 22 20 — 42

Hayfield 32 24 — 56

Hayfield scoring: Dani Wagner, 24; Jo Bungum, 10; Rachael Ausrud, 8; Bhrett Zahnle, 5; Jessie Foster, 4; Rachel Masching, 3; Grace Walker, 2; free throws: 29 percent (5-for-17)