JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley girls soccer coach Mark Perry was aware that, like his team, Upper St. Clair had played a lot of close, low-scoring games this season.

The two teams met each other in a WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinal playoff Thursday at NexTier Stadium.

“I knew scoring the first goal would be very important,” Perry said.

After several opportunities proved fruitless, the Raiders managed to gain the upperhand with Kendall Walton’s tally in the 18th minute.

SV’s strong defensive effort kept the Panthers off the scoreboard as the Raiders earned a 2-0 victory that sends them to Monday’s semifinal round, where they will face North Allegheny for the third time this season.

“Defensively, we limited their chances and we were able to attack with numbers, which created a number of scoring opportunities for ourselves,” said Perry. “We played very well tonight.”

The first goal was set up by Maddie Marcotte, who got a pass off despite pressure from the Panthers. The ball ended up at Walton’s feet and she booted it past Upper St. Clair goalkeeper Macie Fultineer from 15 yards.

SV goalie Mia Humphreys was forced to make just two saves, both of them coming in the closing minutes of the game. But she did come off her line several times to thwart scoring chances for the Panthers (10-7).

One such instance came in the 39th minute. A ball played toward Humphreys from the left of the net was deflected and was rolling slowly on the turf less than 10 yards from the goal. As USC’s Edy McCurrie sprinted in to get another shot off, the keeper came out and grabbed the ball.

It was one of precious few legitimate opportunities for the Panthers.

“We knew they like to play five back when they don’t have possession,” said USC coach Zach Hamilton. “Seneca is very organized and they play their system well.”

Abby Weis’ goal in the 45th minute, off an assist from Ayla Ward, made a Panthers’ rally even less likely.

SV defenders Kylie Nemcek, Ava DeMarco, Lindsey Price and Adriana DeFanti were stout in the shutout. Emily Stratton, a defensive-minded midfielder, was also part of the effort.

Fultineer stopped 10 shots in net. She was key for USC this season as the team returned to postseason play after the Panthers missed the playoffs in 2021.

“We’ve got a young, good group here,” said Hamilton. “We play in the toughest section in the state, so just to get here is an accomplishment. At the same time, getting bounced in the first round is not good and the girls know it. They’re already talking about next year.”

The Raiders have faced their share of adversity. Senior goalie Ginny Fronk, who would have been starting this season, is battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Chloe Leonard, a senior defender, has been out since early in the season with an injury and will not return.

Late in Thursday’s victory, senior forward Sara Weigel was assisted off the field after falling to the turf.

Through it all, the Raiders (13-1-2) have remained a very tough out for opponents.

“We don’t have that big goal scorer that some teams have, but we have a lot of girls capable of scoring,” Perry said. “Our backs have played very well and Mia has been outstanding in goal.”

Seneca Valley and North Allegheny (18-1) split their two games during the regular season, both accounting for the other’s lone loss. The Raiders defeated the Tigers 2-1 in September and NA won the rematch, 1-0, Oct. 17.