The Benton girls basketball team advanced to the Class 4 quarterfinals for the first time in seven years as the Cardinals defeated Lincoln Prep, 39-25, in their sectional game at Staley High School Wednesday.

It’s the ninth consecutive win for Benton as they improve to 19-8 and they’ll play Notre Dame de Sion in the quarterfinals at Independence Events Center on Saturday.

The Cardinals struggled in the first half against Lincoln Prep and fell behind 20-16 at halftime, but things quickly changed in the second half.

Benton outscored the Tigers 14-1 in the third quarter and 23-5 in the second half to get the 14-point win.

The Cardinals held Lincoln Prep to 2-for-12 shooting after halftime.

Mallory McAndrews led Benton with 20 points, while Morgan Domann added eight and Daejah Bernard scored six points.

Benton will play Notre Dame de Sion at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and the game will be broadcast on 680 KFEQ and here on stjosephpost.com.