The No. 2-seeded Nansemond River High School girls’ basketball team took down No. 3 Heritage High School by the score of 54-49 in Thursday’s Ironclad Conference tournament semifinal at King’s Fork High School.

Last Saturday, Nansemond River handily defeated the visiting Lady Hurricanes 66-40. On Thursday, the Lady Warriors got out to a good start, then let Heritage back into it. But in this instance, the higher seed held on to clinch a spot in the regional tournament and advance to Friday’s conference tourney final.

Sophomore forward Aneka Yelverton led the Lady Warriors with 16 points. Identifying a special motivation to win on Friday, she cited the recent lack of winning tradition for her team in terms of district or conference championships.

“We want to bring that back to Nansemond,” she said.

Sophomore center Sabree Clegg scored 15 points on Thursday, while junior guard Laura Ortiz chipped in nine.

The Lady Warriors (11-11) will participate in the first of two all-Suffolk conference tournament championship games on Friday at King’s Fork High School. The No. 1 Lady Bulldogs (20-2) prevailed against Nansemond River in both of the teams’ previous meetings this month. Tip-off for their latest contest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.