GROTON – The Groton girls’ soccer team capped an undefeated home season by blanking West Central 1-0 in the first round of the Class A playoffs Tuesday evening.

Jerica Locke scored the game’s only goal on an assist from Sydney Locke in the ninth minute of the contest. Jaedyn Penning had five saves in goal for the Tigers, who were 6-0 at home this season.

“The goal came off a short-goal kick restart that McKenna Tietz capitalized off a bad touch by the West Central defender and slotted it quickly to Sydney Locke in the penalty area, who quickly as well slotted it across the face of the goal for Jerica Locke to hit home into the back of the net,” said Groton coach Matt Baumgartner. “A true team effort and goal by all three of those girls in that 10-second moment.”

Groton’s defense helped to make the single goal hold up the remainder of the contest.

“Again this season, our defensive structure has been another huge contributor to our success,” Baumgartner said. “Senior Mia Crank and junior Taryn Traphagen have done a fantastic job coordinating the shape and distribution of many attacks.”

Groton, 8-5 on the year, plays at top-seeded Dakota Valley in the semifinals on Saturday. The two split a pair of games during the regular season.

West Central 0 0 – 0

Groton 1 0 – 1

First Half: 1, G, Jerica Locke (Sydney Locke), 31:21.

Second Half: no scoring.

Goalies: Groton, Jaedyn Penning (5 saves).