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Marshall's youthful roster didn't stop them from achieving the ultimate goal of winning a state title. The freshman thrived for the Cardinals all season, including in the Division 3 state championship game when they defeated Amherst, 63-55, to win their first state title since 1977. 

The Cardinals started fast, jumping out to a 17-7 lead. Amherst stormed back and led at the break 31-30. 

Marshall scored the first 12 points of the second have to go up 42-31 with 14:53 left. 

Amherst fought back into the game and trailed by just one point with 4:10 left. The Cardinals wouldn't let them get any closer than that. 

The Cardinals went 8-for-8 from the free throw line in the final 32 seconds to seal the victory.

Six of those makes were by freshman standout Mia Morel who finished with a game-high 21 points. She went 7-for-8 from the line for the game, and added 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. 

Fellow freshman Anna Lutz was impressive for the Cardinals as well, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds 4 blocks and 2 steals. 

A third freshman starter, Laura Nickel added 10 points and 6 rebounds for Marshall. 

Amherst was led by senior and UW-Oshkosh recruit Heather Pearson who finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 7 blocks and 2 steals in the loss. 

Juniors Geena Jensen and Lauren Boelte scored 13 and 10 points, respectively for the Falcons. 

Marshall wins the state title in coach Alex Koeller's first-year as head coach of his alma mater. 

The Cardinals previous two state titles came in back-to-back years, 1976 and 1977.