Another strong defensive performance has landed Cedar Rapids Xavier in the Class 3A semifinals.

Xavier held defending state champion Norwalk to four field goals over the final three quarters and beat the second-ranked Warriors 56-32 to complete the quarterfinal round.

Bailey Dorrington led the Saints (16-9) with 16 points. Kristen Maher made all four of her shots in scoring 11 points, while Caitlin Kray had 10 points for Xavier.

University of Iowa recruit Kesley Cermak led Norwalk (22-3) with 11 points and Hannah Noel scored seven, all on free throws.

Xavier has given up an average of just 27 points in four postseason games and came up with 14 steals against Norwalk. The 12th-ranked Saints also were efficient offense, shooting 56 percent. They were able to work the ball for close-in shots and did not attempt a 3-pointer.

The Xavier defense began to take hold after Norwalk had grabbed a 15-12 lead early in the second quarter. Xavier finished the quarter with a 13-4 run to open a 25-19 halftime lead and was in control the rest of the way.

A 12-4 run stretched the lead to 37-24 in the third quarter and the Saints continued to pull away in the final period. They'll play third-ranked Ballard in the semifinals at 8 p.m. on Thursday.