Senior guard LeAnn Jerzak began the season in Minneota’s starting lineup before Vikings coach Chad Johnston switched her to a role coming off the bench.

“She has sparked us many times,” Johnston said. “I think she is more relaxed coming off the bench. We always say she’s going to make something happen when she gets in the game.”

On Thursday, Jerzak scored 12 points in the second half -- 10 during an 18-1 run by the Vikings -- to help Minneota rally for a 69-68 victory over Browerville in the Class 1A quarterfinals at Mariucci Arena.

The Vikings (28-4), who have reached the 1A championship game the past two years, trailed 51-40 with 13 minutes, 45 seconds left. The Vikings pulled within 51-46 with 11:22 left before Jerzak, who was averaging just 3.5 points per game, made consecutive field goals to get the Vikings within 51-50. 

With the score tied, 52-52, Jerzak hit back-to-back three-point field goals to give the Vikings a 58-52 lead. 

“She really hit some key shots for us,” Johnston said.

The Tigers (28-2) regrouped to take a 66-65 lead with 1:22 left. Meghan Travis’ field goal with 55 seconds left and two free throws by Jerzak with 15 seconds gave the Vikings a 69-66 lead.

Paige Callahan made two free throws with four seconds remaining to get the Tigers within 69-68.

After Minneota missed the front end of a 1-and-1, the Tigers missed a shot at the buzzer.

Emily Stienessen scored 23 to lead the Vikings. Jerzak had 14.

Quinn Kircher scored 25 and Crystal Pearson scored 18 to lead the Tigers.

Minneota rallied from an 11-point deficit in the second half and then held on for a 69-68 victory over Browerville in the Class 1A quarterfinals Thursday at Mariucci Arena.

The Vikings, making their fifth consecutive appearance in the state tournament, trailed 51-40 with 13:45 remaining.

The Vikings went on an 18-1 run to open a 58-52 lead.

Browerville battled back to take a 66-65 lead with 1:22 remaining. But the Vikings' LeAnn Jerzak made two free throws with 15 seconds remaining to give Minneota a 69-66 lead.

Browerville made two free throws with four seconds left to pull within one. After a missed Minneota free throw, a Browerville shot at the buzzer missed.

Emily Stienessen scored 23 to lead Minneota. Quinn Kircher scored 25 to lead Browerville.

Check back later for more on the game.