CONROE — The Lady Mustangs have shown they have a penchant for defense this season, and Tuesday night, they again applied that pressure on their way to a Class 4A Regional Quarterfinal win over Liberty 57-35. 

With the win, the Lady Mustangs moved to 30-5 on the season, dominating the Lady Panthers from start to finish. 

"The defense is what has gotten us this far and tonight that led us again," said Madisonville Head Coach LaNeique Nealey. "I believe defense wins championships."  

The Lady Mustangs jumped on the Lady Panthers quickly and led 11-0 just a couple of minutes into the affair.  

Shemia Morning scored five quick points, including a three-pointer, and then back-to-back buckets by Quin'eysia Sheffer forced a quick Liberty timeout.  

Moments later, Ke'Miya Dunn hit a three-pointer and the lead was up to 16-4.  

Madisonville enjoyed a 21-7 advantage after a quarter of play.  

In the second quarter, Shaffer stepped in front of a Lady Panthers pass for a steal and then converted at the other end and the score was up to 26-9.  

Liberty went on an 8-2 run to close within 28-17, and then the Lady Mustangs came back with an Olyvia Brooks score on the inside and the lead was back to 32-17.  

Madisonville led 36-19 at the half.  

The second half saw the Lady Panthers open with a 10-2 run to close within 38-29 on an offensive rebound and score by Tiana Patterson.  

After a Lady Mustangs timeout, Brooks took over and scored 9 of the next 11 Madisonville points and after an 11-2 run, the lead was back to 49-31.  

"Olyvia just got tough in the post and we got her the ball and she knew what to do with it," said Nealey. 

Early in the fourth quarter, it was Brooks scoring on the inside again, and the advantage ballooned to 53-33 and the Lady Mustangs were on their way to the Regional Tournament.  

Brooks scored 15 of her game-high 22 points in the second half and teammate Ke'Myreul Wheaton also finished in double figures with 10. Morning chipped in with 9 points.  

Liberty was led in scoring by Breezy Pantalion with 12 points. Madisonville will play in the Regional Tournament at Bryan High School on Friday.