SpringfieldNewsSun.com

VANDALIA — Amber Hayslip kept cutting the net at the Vandalia Butler Student Activity Center on Saturday, March 7, but she just couldn't get it down.

The Southeastern High School senior didn't mind the extra time standing on the ladder, however. It was the first time the Trojans had put scissors to a net in three years, and she wanted to cherish ever moment of it.

"It's the greatest feeling standing on the ladder — struggling — but cutting down the net," Hayslip said. "The last string I just kept trying to cut and it wouldn't go. It was getting frustrating."

Southeastern outscored Houston 15-5 in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter for a 52-42 victory in a Division IV district final to advance to the regional semifinals for the first time since 2006.

Freshman Jenna Erwin had 17 points and Hayslip and senior Amanda Harvey each added 10 points for the Trojans (20-4). They made 11-of-12 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

They'll play Convoy Crestview in the regional semifinals in Vandalia at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 12.

The Trojans trailed 17-10 after the first quarter, then held Houston to just five points in the second quarter to tie the game at 22 at the half.

"You can't lose confidence," said Southeastern coach Jim Lightle. "They came out really hot. They didn't miss in the first few minutes, and that happens. You've to stick with it and if you don't, you're going to get buried. You have no choice. Our seniors kept everybody up, and it worked out."

Erwin jump-started the Trojans offense with six points in the second quarter and nine in the fourth.

"She's a player and she's not going to do anything but get better," Lightle said. "She wants the ball when the game is on the line."

Houston (16-8) tied the score at 37 on a put-back by Jaclyn Willoughby with six minutes left, but Hannah Bowman responded with a 3-pointer to give Southeastern a lead it would never relinquish.