RALEIGH — Millbrook’s girls are another step closer to the team’s two-pronged goal set out before this season. On Friday night, takeaways and dominant rebounding propelled the Wildcats to a third consecutive regional appearance on Friday.

The defending 4A champions, still perfect on the year, shut down Holly Springs 45-24.

The goal of a second straight state title was always apparent, but winning one this year means more to Millbrook (30-0) because it’s at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill.

That’s where Millbrook fell in the 2011 state championship game.

“To right a wrong” as Millbrook coach Chris East puts it.