It was a game of impressive runs for both teams. After the Cardinals staked themselves to an 8-4 lead early on, Sauk went on a 12-0 run and pushed themselves to a 26-16 halftime lead. But the Cardinals responded with an 18-4 run to start the second half and led by as many as eight points midway through.
And then VonWahlde caught fire. With the Staples-Motley defense focusing on Macy Weller and Jena Klaphake and the Streeters trailing 38-30 VonWahlde hit three consecutive baskets to make it 38-36. After a Cardinals three-pointer made it 41-36 VonWahlde nailed another shot for a 41-38 deficit.
With just under six minutes to play Liz Ellens hit her biggest shot of the night when she drained a three to tie it at 41-41, Staples then made a pair of free throws, but with just over a minute to play VonWahlde hit a three-pointer to regain the lead 44-43.
The Cardinals tied it when they made a free throw and missed the second. They had the ball with 15 seconds left, but missed on a long-range jumper, giving Sauk a chance with just under five seconds to play. But the inbounds pass was picked off and a Staples player threw up a desperation attempt at the buzzer but it caromed off the backboard, sending the game into overtime.
The Cardinals were called for traveling on their opening possession and then Ellens drove the lane only to have the ball bounce off her knee and right into the hands of VonWahlde for a lay up and a 46-44 lead.
On their next trip down the court Weller hit a three-pointer fro a 49-44 lead.
The Cardinals had no choice but to start fouling and Ellens made three of four free throw attempts to help seal the victory.
Weller finished with 16 points, Ellens had seven and Ali Peterson had six on two three-pointers early in the game.
The win advances the Streeters to Friday's section finals against New London-Spicer, who drubbed Litchfield 70-46 in the Sub-Section 6AA-South championship game tonight.
If Sauk Centre wins Friday they will make their fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament. Friday's game is at Halenbeck Hall at St. Cloud State University at 8 p.m.
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