Dowling Catholic has turned things around quite nicely after a late season slump.

The fifth-ranked Maroons, losers of their final two regular season games, built a double-digit lead against No. 4 Waukee, then held on against a late charge by the Warriors for a 62-56 victory that completed the opening round of the Class 5A tournament.

Dowling Catholic's final loss of the regular season was a 49-48 decision to Waukee, and the Maroons appeared well on their way to avenging that when they led 58-44 with under a minute to play.

Waukee then hit four 3-pointers to draw to 60-56 before Dowling Catholic's Becca Hittner sank two free throws to end it.

Hittner, a sophomore, finished 11 for 12 at the line and led Dowling Catholic with 24 points. Hayden Butler added 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting and Audrey Faber scored 10.

Butler also made a key contribution defensively.

Waukee's Taylor Wingert hit four straight 3-pointers in the second half to help the Warriors whittle an eight-point deficit to 42-41 with 6:38 left. Butler then began face guarding Wingert while her four teammates played zone and the Maroons when on a 16-3 run to open their 14-point lead, which proved to be just enough.

Wingert and Reilly Jacobson led Waukee with 17 points each. Jacobson also pulled down 11 rebounds, while freshman Carlie Littlefield had 13 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Dowling Catholic takes a 21-3 record against No. 1-ranked Iowa City High in a semifinal game at 1:45 p.m. Friday. Waukee, which lost three of our late in the season before getting back on track, finishes 20-4.