One year after finishing third in the state tournament, the Todd Beamer girls basketball team will return to the Tacoma Dome after their 58-39 win over Eastlake on Saturday.

Defense was once again at the forefront for the Titans as they shut down some of the Wolves’ more prolific scorers.

Gina Marxen had averaged 17 points per game coming into the contest. She finished with 13 total, eight of which came in the first half.

The Titans built a 13-4 lead during the first quarter. Late in the quarter, the Wolves made a run, cutting the lead to 13-12. All three of their shots during the 8-0 run were wide open.

That was as close as Eastlake would get the rest of the night.

Beamer’s defense clamped down as they outscored Eastlake 21-10 in the second quarter. Jahpera McEachin’s defensive efforts while guarding Marxen were praised in particular by her coach.

“I think Jahpera did a hell of a job on number 22,” said Beamer head coach Corey Alexander. “That was their leading scorer. She’s been lock down for the last three days. So it’s kudos to her.”

While the defense was stifling, shots were not falling for the Titans as much as they have been as of late. The team shot 35 percent from the floor.

One Titan who didn’t suffer shooting woes was forward Darion Brown. Brown cleaned up on the boards, grabbing five offensive rebounds. She turned those rebounds into second-chance points most of the time as she led the Titans with 15.

Beamer cruised to victory in the second half, where they allowed only 17 points.

Bria Rice was perfect on the night, adding 10 points. Nia Alexander finished with nine points.

Sarah Priestley averaged 16 points per game this season for Eastlake but was held to 11. Cameron Edwards, who average 12 points, was held to just six.

The Titans improved to 22-2 on the season. Since their 62-38 loss against Lynnwood on Jan. 18, no team has scored more than 44 points against them.

“Ever since those two losses we’ve been preaching defense,” Corey Alexander said. “Our girls are buying into it and playing as a unit.”

Last season, Beamer lost to Gonzaga Prep in the semifinals. The Bullpups went on to win the state championship.

The Titans will face off against Skyview of Vancouver in the quarterfinals.

The Storm come into the tournament with a 20-4 record. They defeated Bellarmine Prep 64-37 in their regional playoff game.

“It feels real good,” Corey Alexander said. “These girls have been working hard. They deserve to be there. We have six seniors, so they’re hungry for it. They’re fighting for each other.”

Should the Titans win their game against Skyview, their reward will be an undefeated opponent. Moses Lake faces off against Central Valley in the other lower bracket game of the state tournament. They are a combined 48-0.

Beamer and Skyview will play at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Tacoma Dome.