The varsity girls’ basketball team advanced one step close to their goal of a state championship last Friday night with a thrilling win 38-29 over El Paso Chapin.

Canyon barely held the lead 10-9 over the Huskies at the end of the first quarter, but would quickly lose that advantage to be down 12-20 at halftime.

Two free throws by junior Brittany Morgan gave Canyon the lead for the first time in the second half, 29-27. The rest of the Lady Eagles’ points would come from free throws by freshman Caitlyn Cunyus, senior Kylee Murgel, and juniors Madison Parker and Morgan.

“I knew we could win,” Murgel said. “Our team is so young and the younger girls were upset because they didn’t want our last game to end like that. They just needed to know that they are just as good as the older girls.”

The Lady Eagles will face Palo Duro tonight in the regional quarterfinal game at Randall High School at 6 p.m.

“Tonight we have to move the ball on offence,” Murgel said. “We can’t turn it over because that’s what they like; they like to go at a fast pace.”