Exira/EHK will make it’s fourth straight trip to the girl’s Class 1-A state tournament after an impressive 66-41 win over Boyer Valley in a regional final in Avoca Monday night.

After falling behind 15-12 after the first quarter, the Spartans turned things around quickly, starting the second quarter with an 11-0 run, giving them a lead they would never surrender. Senior Sophia Peppers, who led her team with 24 points, said her team was different after that first quarter.

The Spartans were able to build the lead to as large as 63-36 in the fourth quarter as their aggressive defense continually frustrated the Bulldogs. Exira/EHK coach Tom Petersen said the goal was not to allow Boyer Valley leading scorer Erin Weber to take a shot. They were mostly successful, as she was held scoreless.

Seniors Sophia Peppers and Kealey Nelson have made it to state all four years. Nelson, who scored 14 points, says it’s due to hard work.

The Spartans improve to 23-1. Due to a few postponements, Exira/EHK will have to wait to find out who they will face in the first round in Des Moines.