The No. 14 ranked Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk girls basketball team gave No. 2 ranked Center Point-Urbana everything they wanted in the state quarterfinals Tuesday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, but in the end a slow start to the second half was too much for the Hawks to overcome, falling 48-43.

The Hawks took a slim early lead of three points midway through the first quarter, and CPU answered with a 7-0 run to take their first lead of the game, the Pointers held a 14-12 advantage after the first period. The Golden Hawks came alive in the second quarter, putting together an 8-0 to build their largest lead of the day at seven midway through the period, the Golden Hawks would hold a 26-23 lead at the half.

In the second half the Stormin’ Pointers turned up the defensive pressure, forcing four straight Mid-Prairie turnovers to open the third and take back the lead. The Golden Hawks went ice cold from the floor, beginning the second half with a 10 minute drought from the field as CPU built a four point lead going to the final period. In the fourth, CPU stretched out their lead to its largest of the day at eight points and the Golden Hawks made two separate pushes. The first got them within four with three minutes left, the second left Mid-Prairie down three with just eight seconds to go in the game, but Arika Wooldridge stepped to the line and knocked down two free throws that iced the win.

The Golden Hawks were led on the day by Alex Rath and her 17 points. Ali Butters added 12 for Mid-Prairie. Arika Wooldridge led the charge for CPU with 18 points and 11 rebounds. With the loss the Golden Hawks say goodbye to three seniors, Alex Rath, Emily Cayton and Ali Wertz. The Golden Hawks finish their season at 16-9, Center Point Urbana advances to the state semifinals Thursday afternoon where they face No. 3 Nevada who defeated No. 7 Sioux Center 59-44.