Looking to defend her state title from 2011, 11-year-old Sedona resident Liza Westervelt got another step closer Jan. 14, making 21 of 25 free throws to win the Northern Arizona Elks Free Throw Hoop Shoot Regional Championships.

Taking place in Chino Valley, the Elks Free Throw Hoop Shoot Regional Championships had all the local winners from around Northern Arizona.

Representatives from Show Low, Holbrook, Payson, Kingman, Prescott, Chino Valley, Winslow, Bullhead City and Sedona were in attendance Jan. 14.

Westervelt, who competes in the ages 12 to 13 division, since she will turn 12 this spring, is one of the younger girls to ever win the regional contest.

“I was very happy to win in Chino Valley, but I’m ready to start practicing for the state contest,” Westervelt said. “My motto is ‘do work,’ and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Westervelt wasn’t the only girl from Sedona participating in the Elks Free Throw Hoop Shoot Regional Championships as 8-year-old Tianna Battistini took second overall in her age group, making 12 of 25 shots.

Battistini won the Sedona division having made 12 of 25 free-throw shots, but her total this time around was one behind the winner, who hit 13.

“I was really excited to compete and glad I won second,” Battistini said.

Westervelt will compete in the Arizona Elks Free Throw Hoop Shoot Championships on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Cactus Canyon Middle School in Apache Junction. Scheduled start time Feb. 4 is noon.