MITCHELL – Second-rated Class A Groton pushed Class AA Mitchell to the brink before falling 1-0 on a penalty kick with 49 seconds left on Monday afternoon.

A throw in got deflected and hit a hand in the penalty area resulting in a penalty kick that Mitchell’s Taryn Thomas converted on for the game-winner.

Groton keeper Jaedyn Penning had a strong performance with six saves.

“Jaedyn Penning made some spectacular saves for us, and defensively we held our own,” said Groton coach Matt Baumgartner. “I’m proud of the speed we played at today, and the effort given against a physical side.”

Groton, 4-2 on the season, hosts 4-1 West Central at noon Saturday. The boys will follow at 2 p.m.

Groton 0 0 – 0

Mitchell 0 1 – 1

First Half: No scoring.

Second Half: 1, M, Taryn Thomas (penalty kick), 49 seconds.

Goalies: Groton, Jaedyn Penning (6 saves).