The Auburn Riverside girls remained alive in the winner’s bracket with a 57-45 win over newcomers the Chiawana Riverhawks in the quarterfinals of the Washington State 4A Girls Basketball Championship Tournament at the Tacoma Dome.

University of Washington-bound Mercedes Wetmore paced the Ravens (27-0) with 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals.

The Ravens built on their 25-20 halftime lead with a 21 point explosion in the third quarter and led by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter.

“You know, I thought we played well,” coach Terry Johnson said. “We struggled a little on offense, but I think that was because of their defense.”

The Ravens shot 39.6 percent from the floor as a team, making 21 of 53 shots. The team went 3 of 15 from behind the three-point line and shot 85.7 percent from the free throw line.

Auburn Riverside terrorized the Riverhawks with their defense press in the contest and notched thirteen steals.

Junior Kat Cooper had 13 points to go with her three steals and two rebounds.

Chiawana, a first-year squad out of Pasco, shot 35.7 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Ravens 36-28. The Riverhawks were led by Hayley Hodgins’ 13 points. Shelby Ellswworth added nine rebounds and nine points.

“We really competed tonight,” Johnson said. “We knew we were going to have to. I felt like we’ve already played two teams that could have won a state championship. It’s been a battle. But once again the girls found a way to get it done.”

The Ravens will play in the semifinals at 8 p.m. Friday against Issaquah (23-4).