HAMBLETON — Class A, No. 7 Tucker County picked up the pace in the second half on Tuesday while notching a 58-18 win over Union in a Region II, Section 2 semifinal contest to continue on toward a potential 16th consecutive state tournament appearance on the Class A stage in Charleston.

“Hats off to Union, they were ready to play and we were not,” TCHS coach Dave Helmick said. “Our second-half effort was a lot better. Our defense without fouling effort improved.

“After the game, I told them again that night in and night out no matter who you’re playing, you have to come out focused.”

At the end of a first quarter plagued by turnovers and missed scoring opportunities by both teams, Tucker County led 4-2 and never trailed in the contest.

The Lady Mountain Lions started the second quarter with 10-0 run before taking a 21-11 lead into the halftime locker room.

Outscoring the Lady Tigers, 24-4, in the third canto gave Tucker a 45-15 cushion heading into the fourth frame, where the hosts nabbed a 13-3 run to finish out the game.

Terra Kuhn led all scorers with 20 points to go along with eight rebounds. London Hood managed 18 points and five boards for the black and gold.

Gracie Rapp put up one of her most solid performances of the season by way of just missing a double-double while pulling down 11 caroms and scoring eight points for Tucker County.

Kadie Colebank rounded out the winners’ production with six points and five boards.

Union freshman Victoria Seabolt had eight points and four rebounds. Clarissa Chapman had seven rebounds and Bridgette Knapp grabbed five caroms.

Senior Chasity Broadwater finished her Union career with a pair of rebounds.

Tucker County is now on a four-game win streak, improving to 16-7. Next up for the Lady Mountain Lions is the sectional title game to be played on a neutral court at Petersburg High School at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Moorefield (12-12) advanced with a 47-25 win over Pendleton County in Tuesday’s other semifinal as Gianna Fair scored 12 and Lindsey Rinker 10.

Katie Scott led the Lady Wildcats with eight points.

Tucker County and Moorefield split in the regular season, each winning at home.