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Former Eureka Logger Kaitlin Giacone and the College of the Sequoias women’s basketball team moved one step closer to the state championship game with a victory in the Elite Eight tournament in Walnut on Friday night.

The Giants defeated Palomar 77-71 to advance to Saturday night’s semifinals.

And Giacone, who is enjoying a dream debut season on the college courts, played a pivotal role in the win.

The 2024 Eureka High graduate was a monster on the boards pulling down a game-high 15 rebounds.

She also scored 15 points to finish with a double-double.

Giacone shot 5 of 11 from the field and made 5 of 6 free throws as the Giants improved to 31-0 on the season.

The win sets up a semifinal showdown against Mt. San Antonio on Saturday night at 7 after the Mt. SAC women rolled over Sierra 68-45 in their quarterfinal.

The state championship game will take place on Sunday.