MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Providence Academy won the girls Class AA state championship Saturday at the Target Center by defeating Sauk Centre 42-39.

The Lions (27-4) shot only 8-20 from the free throw line and 2-15 from the 3-point line, but effective interior play from AnnMarie Healy and Katie Nordick was the difference.

Mainstreeters guard Jena Klaphake hit a 3-pointer with 21 seconds remaining to cut the lead to 42-40, however Nordick and junior Taylor Finley made free throws to seal the win.

Sauk Centre was able to penetrate the lane early inside, and forwards Kali Peschel and Macy Weller went to the free throw line often, making 15 on 20 attempts.

The Lions was successful in getting high percentage shots from Nordick and AnnMarie Healy, however they struggled to move the ball in the first half due to Sauk Centre’s defensive pressure. They shot 55 percent in the second half, and took the lead with just over three minutes to play.

Peschel had a chance to tie the game with 41 seconds remaining, but she missed an open 3-pointer from the top of the key.

Peschel, a senior, scored 12 points and 5 rebounds in only her fourth game this season due to knee surgery in the summer. She has verbally committed to play basketball at Iowa next year.
Weller led the Mainstreeters with 14 points and four rebounds while shooting 5-11 from the field. She also made four free throws.

Providence cut down the nets following their victory, and Finley and Healy made the all-tournament team.