With a decisive 55-30 victory over Cross Creek, Salem will advance to the elite eight for the second straight year.

In the first, Salem got to the foul line at will, going 6-8 from the charity stripe on their way to taking an 11-6 lead heading into the second quarter.

It was never really close after the first quarter. Salem's offense worked like a well-oiled machine. They attacked the basket, got to the line and made some of their open threes. At the half Salem's big two - Ayanna Mitchell and Shay Tarver - combined for 22 of their 25 points with Paris Scott draining a three of her own in the second quarter.

Salem's defense stole the show in the first half, as they held Cross Creek to six points in the first quarter and four in the second.

Instead of coming out stagnant in the third, the Lady ‘Noles built upon their lead as they started the third on an 14-5 run which included a three from Scott and Tarver and a Tarver and-one.

Salem beat Cross Creek on the free throw line and on the offensive glass, getting multiple second chance opportunities on the night. Cross Creek seems like a team that lives and dies by the three, well, they died against Salem. Cross Creek did get some open shot opportunities, but rarely turned them into points.

The Lady ‘Noles coasted in the fourth quarter, using a ball-control offense to run time off the clock and playing solid defense.

Tarver finished with 21 points and Mitchell finished with 24 points

Salem will play in the third round on Tuesday against either Southwest Dekalb or Forest Park.