Florence will face Stevens Point Pacelli to decide a berth in the WIAA girls basketball state tournament that tips off Friday in Green Bay.

The LadyCats edged Lena 50-48 on Thursday night in Peshtigo to set up the matchup against Pacelli.

The Division 5 Sectional 3 championship game will be played at 1 p.m. today in Pulaski. Both Florence and Pacelli were seeded No. 1 in their respective brackets.

Florence improved to 23-4 overall with its win Thursday, while Lena ends its season at 23-4.

Kelsi Chrisman and Naomi Millan led Florence offensively against the Wildcats, each finishing with 14 points. Chrisman scored inside and at the free-throw line, while also pulling down 10 rebounds, including six offensive boards.

Chrisman’s aggressiveness and quick hands flustered the Lena team as she shut down offensive charges with nine steals and two blocks. Millan provided a spark from the perimeter, knocking down 2-of-3 three-point attempts. She also contributed eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.

Senior Ashley Peterson added 12 points for Florence, connecting on two three-pointers and going a perfect 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. Showing up in big games is in her genes — the last time the Ladycats made a state tournament appearance her mom was on the team.

The Wildcats had their eye on the LadyCat’s top scorer, CeCe Mills. Despite their tight one-on-one pressure, Mills freed herself up for six points.

All night. the LadyCat’s defense proved to be a major factor. Miley Vandenheuvel destroyed the Wildcat’s inside game with seven steals, while also grabbing 13 rebounds, dishing out three assists, recording two blocks, and adding 4 points.

Pacelli (22-4) advanced to today’s final with 74-51 win Thursday over Almond-Bancroft (22-5).