The Palo Alto High School girls’ soccer team defeated Menlo-Atherton High School, 1-0, in a close contest yesterday at the Central Coast Section quarterfinals at Paly.

Junior midfielder Jacey Pederson scored the only goal of the match at the end of the first half from 25 yards out following a 40-yard run with the ball. The Lady Vikings proceeded to shut out M-A in the second half to earn their place in the next round of CCS.

The Vikings will proceed to the semifinals as they take on Santa Teresa High School, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Hod Ray Field.