The Chester Lady Flyers earned another trip to the District 4B championship game with a 48-44 win over Dell Rapids St. Mary on Thursday night at Chester.
"We played a good first quarter and then the wheels fell off in the second period," said Chester Coach Ross Peterson.
Chester jumped out to an 11-5 lead in the opening period.
"St. Mary's was the aggressor in the second period, and we didn't respond very well," Peterson said. The Flyers were down by five, 19-14, at intermission. According to Peterson, it could have been more.
The Lady Flyers rallied in the third period and outscored the Cardinals 17-6 to hold a 31-25 lead heading into the final quarter.
Chester stretched its lead to 10 points in the fourth period, but St. Mary rallied back to cut the lead to two points on numerous occasions before Chester could seal the win.
Erin Benson hit a crucial three-pointer to put Chester up by six with under a minute to play. KenZie Alverson hit two free throws with 7.5 seconds left to seal the victory for the Lady Flyers.
Chester made 13 of 41 field goals, 31 percent, and cashed in on 18 of 26 free throws, 69 percent. Dell Rapids St. Mary made 15 of 44 field goals, 34 percent, and 10 of 20 free throws, 50 percent.
Dell Rapids St. Mary held the advantage on the boards 34-19.
Benson ended the game with 16 points and six assists for the Lady Flyers. Sara Heyn added 13 points while Jenna Reiff and Elena Borah each grabbed six rebounds.
Chester (10-11) will face Oldham-Ramona-Rutland on Saturday at the Swiftel Center in Brookings for the District 4B championship at 6:30 p.m.
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