It has been a strong season for the Palo Alto High School girls’ varsity basketball team, but it’s not over yet. The Lady Vikes defeated Santa Teresa High School (12-16), 53-47, to advance to the Central Coast Section Division I semifinals on Wednesday.

Guard Mariah Philips (’11) had a game-high 14 points, 12 of which came on 3-pointers. Lindsay Black (’12) and Sydney Davis (’11) each contributed 12 points by the end of the night. Thanks to Philips’s outside shooting efforts, Paly went into the second half with a nine-point advantage, 29-20.

The second half was more of the same, with the Lady Vikes staying ahead by a comfortable margin due to both their defense and offense.

“Josie [Butler (’13)] set the tone on defense,” guard Emilee Osagiede (’12) said. “[She came] up with some big swats and Mariah really helped us on offense. If we were tired she would just come in and bust a three and we’d be up again.”

The Lady Vikes will take on North Salinas High School this Wednesday in Gilroy. Make sure to follow The Viking on Twitter for updates.