HARRISBURG — The Benton Rangerettes built a 17-point lead heading to the fourth quarter, then had to hold on to beat Harrisburg 42-34 to capture their second straight regional championship.

The game was tied 13-13 after one quarter, with Benton taking control in the second. The Rangerettes closed the half on an 11-2 run to lead 26-17 at the break. That run continued as Benton scored the first eight points of the third quarter to extend their lead to 34-17. It was 39-22 after three.

Harrisburg made it interesting by scoring the first 10 points of the fourth quarter to close within 39-32. The Lady Bulldogs cut the deficit to six and had the ball in the final minute, but could not get any closer.

Benton senior Ensley Tedeschi led all scorers with 18 points. Harrisburg’s only senior, Sidney Neal, led the Lady Bulldogs with 11.

The Rangerettes improve to 24-8. Up next, they will head to the Du Quoin Sectional, where they will tangle with Breese Central in the second semifinal Tuesday night at 7:30. Massac County will face Breese Mater Dei in the first semi at 6:00.

The Lady Bulldogs finish their season 24-8.