Menahga seniors Cierra Ahlf, Annika Aho and Alyssa Peterson combined for 49 points to lead the Braves to their first state tournament victory in program history.

The No. 5-rated Braves, who lost their previous two state tournament games in their only other appearance a year ago, defeated BOLD 65-54 in the Class 1A quarterfinals Thursday at the Maturi Pavilion.

“This was a huge, huge win for our program,” Menahga coach Cody Pulju said. “We just got our feet wet last year.

Ahlf and Peterson each had 11 points in the first half when Menahga (30-1) opened up a 28-19 lead. The Braves widened the margin to 23 points, 53-30, midway through the second half before BOLD made a late run.

Menahga seniors Cierra Ahlf, Annika Aho and Alyssa Peterson have really grown in the last year. That maturity is the reason the Braves won their first state tournament game in program history.

The guard trio combined for 49 points, leading Menahga past BOLD 65-54 in the Class 1A quarterfinals Thursday at the Maturi Pavilion.

The No. 5-rated Braves lost their previous two state tournament games in their only other appearance a year ago.

Ahlf and Peterson each had 11 points in the first half when Menahga opened up a 28-19 lead. The Braves widened their cushion to 22 points in the second half before BOLD made a late run.

Ahlf finished with 21 points, Peterson 18 and Aho 10.

Check back later for more on the game.