MARSHALL -- The table is now set for the Willmar Cardinals girls basketball team. It's just a matter of what seat they'll occupy.
By beating Section 2AAA rival Marshall 73-61 Thursday, the Cardinals (19-4) have secured one of the top spots for the upcoming postseason tournament.
"It was huge section win for us," said Willmar coach Brad Atchison. "It puts us in position for a one or a two (seed) with Worthington. We feel we've done everything we can to get in this position."
Willmar came out with guns blazing and finished the half with a 40-27 lead.
The Cardinals distributed the scoring, with four players reaching double figures. Alex Lippert led the way with 18, Jena Thompson and Hannah Smith had 14 each and Kayli Gimse added 11.
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"We've had really good balance for the last half-dozen games," Atchison said. "It's really a nice thing to have, because if someone has a bad night, there's someone else to pick her up."
Thompson grabbed 12 of Willmar's 33 rebounds and Lippert hooked 10, plus blocked five shots.
Dani Beekman and Alexis Boyd scored 16 points each to lead Marshall (10-11).
The Cardinals will travel to Cold Spring tonight to face Rocori in a Central Lakes Conference game.
Willmar 73, Marshall 61
Willmar (19-4) 40 33 -- 73
Marshall (10-11) 27 34 -- 61
WILLMAR - 27-58 FG (3-12 3-pt); 16-29 FT; 33 rebounds; 19 fouls ... Scoring: Mariel Aamot 4, Hannah Smith 14, Sara Kallhoff 8, Kayli Gimse 11, Jen Knake 4, Alex Lippert 18, Jena Thompson 14 ... 3-point shots: Smith 3 ... Rebound leaders: Thompson 12, Lippert 10 ... Assist leaders: Smith 4, Kallhoff 4 ... Steal leaders: Thompson 4 ... Blocks: Lippert 5
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MARSHALL - 21-60 FG (6-16 3-pt); 13-18 FT; 32 rebounds; 24 fouls ... Scoring: Kelsey Michaelson 5, Kelsey Saugstad 8, Dani Beekman 16, Morgan McKittrich 1, Alexis Boyd 16, Sandy Deutz 6, Kelsey Verdoes 9 ... 3-point shots: Michaelson 1, Saugstad 2, Beekman 2, Boyd 1 ... Rebound leaders: Verdoes 10, Beekman 6 ... Assist leaders: Beekman 3, McKittrich 3 ... Steal leaders: Saugstad 3, Boyd 3
