Lyle/Austin Pacelli is making its first trip to the state tournament in over 30 years count.

The unseeded Athletics upset third-seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl 66-47 in the Class A quarterfinals Thursday at Mariucci Area. 

This is the first tournament appearance for Lyle. Austin Pacelli last played in state in 1981. The Athletics (26-3) led from start to finish and were up by as many as 23 points.

“We came out and played really, really well,” Lyle/Austin Pacelli coach Justin Morris said. “I think we made a statement that we belong here.”

Lyle/Austin Pacelli outrebounded Mountain Iron-Buhl 36-15, including grabbing 15 offensive rebounds, converting many into easy layups and 3-point plays. The Athletics’ “twin towers” -- senior center Madison Truckenmiller and junior forward Sarah Holtz -- each had double-doubles and combined for 31 points and 22 rebounds.

“Throughout the year we’ve actually struggled boxing out and being physical,” Truckenmiller said, “but since the playoffs started we’ve been pushing it and it’s helping out.”

Four players scored in double figures for Lyle/Austin Pacelli, led by Truckenmiller’s 16 points. 

Lyle/Austin Pacelli takes on No. 2 seed Ada-Borup Friday at Williams Arena. 

“This is kind of unreal,” Truckenmiller said. “But, we earned this. We deserve this.”

Mountain Iron-Buhl finished the season with a 28-3 record.