ESSEX JUNCTION — The eighth seeded Essex Hornets outscored number nine Burlington 35-17 in the second half and advanced to the VPA Division One quarterfinals with a 54-30 win over the Seahorses on Tuesday night on Jean Robinson Court.

The Hornets led all of the way, jumping to an eight point lead at 12-4 after one quarter. But Burlington rallied in the second eight minutes to cut the Essex lead to six at 19-13 at halftime.

The Hornets then roared out in the second half, outscoring the ‘horses 20-9 in the third quarter and 15-8 in the final stanza to win going away.

All of the Essex scoring came from just four players. Junior Sarah Coulter led the way with 17 points, and seniors Emmalee Smith (15), Olivia Duncan and Kylie Acker (11 each) rounded out the scoring.

Koleigh Vachereau and Ella Decelles led the Seahorses with eight points each.

Now 12-9 on the season Essex advances to meet top seed St. Johnsbury in the quarterfinals on Friday night. Burlington ends their season at 10-11.