Sophomore Kylan Gerads led the defending-state-champion Huskies (24-5) with 24 points. The team mixed the slow-paced attack with well-timed transition baskets to build its lead before a Madi Herkenhoff layup with 4:54 to go put the Huskies up by double digits for good.

On defense, the Huskies held Rochester Lourdes (21-8) to 28.3% shooting with their 2-3 zone. Coach Aaron Boyum said the zone defense did a good job of containing Eagles star point guard Caroline Adamson.

Junior Ella Hopkins scored 17 points to lead Rochester Lourdes, and Adamson, a senior, added 16. The Eagles had won 11 straight games before the state quarterfinals, after starting the season 10-7.

Adamson said the length of Albany made it difficult for Rochester Lourdes to get passes in and out of the lane. The Eagles knew the Huskies would play a zone, but were somewhat surprised by Albany’s length, coach Aaron Berg added.

“It’s just hard to simulate that in practice,” junior forward Vivica Bretton said.

For Albany, the win means it’ll face top-seeded Providence Academy in the semifinals after beating them in last year’s title game. Despite a 23-point loss to the Lions in December, Albany players said they’re confident heading into the semifinals.

“I think our players match up well,” Gerads said.