The Pequea Valley girls' basketball team has secured a spot in the PIAA Class 3A state playoffs.

Playing on their home court in a District Three Class 3A quarterfinal match, the Braves befuddled Brandywine Heights 45-29 on Tuesday night, February 21. The victory assured the Braves (21-3) not only advancement to the district semifinals, but also a berth in the state playoffs. The top four teams from District Three 3A are eligible for states.

Pequea Valley entered districts as the number three seed, hosting the sixth-ranked Bullets (15-9). Brandywine did come out with a strong opening period, holding a one-point edge over Pequea after eight minutes of play and led by the same slim margin at halftime - 18-17.

"We were down by one point at halftime, and we were getting everything we wanted offensively; we were just missing the shots," Jason McDonald, the Braves' head coach said. "At halftime we talked about getting the ball down low more often and applying more pressure, making sure we were in help defense. In the second half, we looked more comfortable."

The big difference was in the fourth quarter of the game. The Pequea defense that has stymied opponents for 20 previous Braves victories came through, allowing the Bullets not one single basket. Pequea Valley outscored Brandywine Heights 15-2 in that final stanza, limiting the Bullets to two free throws.

Katie Stoltzfus fired from three-point range successfully, making four treys on the night for her team-leading 12 points. Janae Patterson added 11 points. She also had five steals, three assists and three rebounds. Breanne Beiler scored seven points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

"As we started getting the ball to Bre more in the second half, it helped open up easier shots and more driving angles that we took advantage of," McDonald explained.

Sarah Arment, one of the PV seniors, had six rebounds and five assists. Morgan Graham contributed four points and two rebounds.

Addison Benner led the Bullets with 11 points.

"With the win, this senior class has the most wins for a career, and this will be their third trip to the district semifinals and to states in their careers," McDonald noted.

Next up for the Braves, the district semifinals, is a familiar foe. Columbia handed Pequea two of their three regular season losses.