“We just say, ‘From now on, we just want to go 1-0 every game,’ ” said Hayfield sophomore Natalie Beaver.

Staying in the moment was a tough task for both teams during an emotional game of runs.

No. 5 seed Hayfield (32-0), making its first state tournament appearance since 2008, overcame nerves and handled the pressure applied by No. 4 Cass Lake-Bena (28-3). The Panthers held an edge in experience after losing in the state quarterfinals last season.

The Panthers overcame a 39-26 halftime deficit to take a 47-46 lead with 7:14 remaining. Foul trouble landed Cass Lake-Bena’s three leading scorers on the bench. But the substitutes helped the Panthers hold serve.

“They are skilled,” Vikings coach Kasey Krekling said. “They have some guards that can get after you.”

Freshman guard Gabrielle Fineday led the Panthers with 17 points. She gave her team a 53-52 lead with 3:59 remaining. Hayfield countered with big games from sophomore guard Kristen Watson (29 points) and Beaver (22). They combined for 13 points as the Vikings closed the game on a 15-4 run.

“There were times when we didn’t look aggressive and we didn’t look like ourselves and I just said, ‘Let’s go,’ ” Krekling said. “And you know what? They answered the call.”