St. Johnsbury — The 14th seeded Brattleboro Colonels outscored the St. Johnsbury Academy Hilltoppers 20-7 in the 3rd quarter to open up a double digit lead, then held on to beat St. Johnsbury 50-46 on Friday night inside Alumni Gym, advancing to the semi-finals of the VPA Division 1 tournament.

Trailing 26-23 at halftime, the Colonels came out playing ballhawking defense in the third, forcing turnovers and turning them into points. Brattleboro’s Devin Millerick and Hailey Derosia  took full advantage, combining for 18 of the 20 third quarter points. St. Johnsbury regrouped and made a run inthe final quarter, coming as close as three, but couldn’t complete the comeback.

The Hilltoppers came out redhot from the floor early, sticking four first quarter three pointers in opening a 19-13 lead. But their hot hand went away in the second, allowing Bratt to climb within three at the break and setting the stage for the third quarter explosion.

Millerick led all scorers with 21 points. Freshman Derosia added 15. Sadie Stetson led the Academy with 12 points, with Gunhuildur Altadottir and Neva Bostic adding 11 each.

Brattleboro becomes the first 14th seed to advance to the semi-finals in the modern history of the VPA Girl’s tournament. They are 10-12 on the season and will meet #10 BFA-St.Albans on Tuesday night. 6th seeded St.J ends their season at 13-9.