SAN ANTONIO — In a matchup of teams better known for their defense, Thursday’s Class 1A girls state semifinal between Robert Lee and Neches produced the trench war that many expected. 

In the end, Robert Lee walked away the survivor, edging Neches 46-44 in a game that featured six ties, four lead changes and a combined 26 steals.

Kailey Freeman scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds and Paige Immel added seven crucial points down the stretch to lead Robert Lee (35-2) which will face Ackerly Sands in the 1A state championship game on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in the Alamodome.