The Goshen Lady Eagles clinched a spot in the Class 2A state playoffs with a 36-27 win over the Highland Home Lady Flying Squadron Thursday in the first round of the 2A, Area 5 tournament in Goshen.

The Lady Eagles led the game from the beginning, but head coach Lindsey Hornbuckle said the team did not start playing until the second half.

“In the beginning of the game we played as individuals, and that really affected us,” Hornbuckle said. “It wasn’t until the second half that we showed up to play as a team and we won.”

Goshen led the Squadron 16-12 at the half, and after a pep talk from Hornbuckle, the team held a solid lead until the end of the game.

By the end of the third quarter, the Lady Eagles lead was 27-19.

Hornbuckle said no individual player led the team to victory.

“I can’t brag on just one individual,” she said. “My players pulled together as a team and that is why we won this game. I told them at halftime that we either win as a team or we lose as a team, but either way it’s a team effort.”

Niyoka Slater and Diamond Cottrell led the Lady Eagles with 10 points apiece. DeAnna McLeod added six points.

Hornbuckle said she would like to thank the fans for showing up to support the girls.

“I just want to thank the fans and everyone who showed up to support us,” Hornbuckle said. “Having a home crowd really makes a difference, and we hope that we have just as big a showing on Saturday.”

The Lady Eagles will face the Reeltown Rebels on Saturday at 6 p.m. for the area championship.