Back at the State tournament for the first time since 2001 the Marysville Bulldog girls were looking to make the best of the trip and started the Class 4A-DII State tournament with 58-45 win over Nickerson. 

Marysville opened the contest against Nickerson with a 19-12 first quarter and led 31-23 at the half. The Bulldogs continued to expand their lead in the second notching a 14-9 third quarter going on to use a +19 rebounding margin (46-28 rebounds) to earn the win 58-45. 

A trio of gals led Marysville scoring 56 of the teams 58 teams as Sydney Pacha led the way with 26 points. Sami Bartels added 16 points and registered a double-double grabbing 18 rebounds, while Nicole Franco scored 14 points. 

The win moves Marysville to 18-4 on the season extending their win streak to seven games and getting into the Semifinals for the fifth time. The Bulldogs will hit the floor again in Salina for the 4A-DII State tournament in the Semifinals on Friday, March 9th at 3:00pm taking on Andale.