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

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.

“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)

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