Amber Kirschbaum's steal and Jodi Gerking's clutch fourth-quarter shooting helped Spirit Lake advance in the Class 3A opener.

Gerking finished with 19 points and Kirschbaum had 15 as the fourth-ranked Indians beat No. 5 Sioux City Heelan 49-38 to advance to the semifinals. It was the 23rd straight victory for Spirit Lake (25-1), which made it to state for the third time.

Millie Niggeling, one of two freshmen who started for Heelan, led the Crusaders (19-4) with 14 points and Michelle Lund scored 10.

After leading by as many as 13, Spirit Lake was clinging to a 36-34 lead when Kirschbaum picked off a pass and drove for a layup, making the shot as she was fouled. She missed the free throw, but Spirit Lake came up with the ball and Gerking was fouled.

She made both free throws, then sank another for a 41-34 lead. Heelan freshman Carli Tritz scored on a follow shot to get the Crusaders within five, but Gerking answered with the biggest shot of the game, a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 2:27 left.

That made it 44-36, enough of a cushion for Spirit Lake to hold on.

Gerking went 11-for-12 at the line and added six rebounds, five steals and three assists. Kirschbaum, a sophomore, grabbed nine rebounds, blocked four shots and finished with two steals.

Kaisha Brown added 10 points and five steals for Spirit Lake.