ABOVE: Martin County West's Maddie Carlson surveys the court during a Section 2A Girls Basketball Tournament game Thursday at St. Peter High School. Photo courtesy of Ari Selvey/The New Ulm Journal.

ST. PETER–The Martin County West Mavericks’ dominant defensive performance Thursday night secured their victory in the Section 2A semifinals over Springfield, 47-40, where Emily Anderson broke the 2000th career point threshold.

“The first half we played tremendous defense,” said head coach Cliff Anderson. “And we just, we really still were struggling offensively to make shots, but it was enough tonight to win a ballgame and advance.”

Leading the Mavericks was Emily Anderson with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Maddie Carlson had 10 points and 7 rebounds. Courtney Anderson had 7 points and three rebounds, while Ivy Olson had 6 points and two rebounds..

“I mean, our girls always play hard and solid defense,” said Anderson. “We’ve still got to do a few little things better, but right now at this time of the season, you know, it’s good, it’s great to get our 23rd win of the season, but we’ll get a third shot at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s, but, you know, it’s always good just to win and advance”

The Mavericks head to Gustavus Adolphus College for the Semi Final round against Sleepy Eye St. Mary on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. game.