JACKSON TWP — Opposing teams can try slowing down the Seneca Valley girls soccer team, but it's tough to contain an offense with plenty of weapons.

Hempfield learned the hard way Saturday at NexTier Stadium, as seven different Raiders scored during a 7-2 victory over the Spartans in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

“That's what we strive for. We strive to be dangerous as a team rather than individually dangerous,” said SV head coach Dave Sylvester. “The girls play well, distribute it to each other. It's good for the team.”

It's good to jump out to an early lead, too.

Myra Charles put Seneca Valley up 1-0 in the second minute of the match on a setup from Katie Riley and Misha Demchuk and the Raiders never looked back.

“That was key to a good game,” said Riley. “We needed that — to start off early.”

SV (16-1-2) dominated the majority of the first half, but didn't add its second goal until 13:38 was left in the opening frame.

Morgan Williams delivered a corner kick to the middle of the field. Riley alertly let the ball skip through her legs to an open Raegan Dobbins, who blasted a shot into the top left corner of the net.

“I was so excited. I don't score a lot because I'm on defense,” said Dobbins, “so it's a good accomplishment for me.

“It was good for the team and it was good for my family watching,” added the senior captain with a laugh.

Less than two minutes later, the Raiders padded the advantage to 3-0. Riley fed Rachel Leake for a one-timer into the right side of the net.

The Spartans (9-8) got on the board when Courtney Carroll to cut the gap to 3-1 off an assist from Chelsea Burkhart with 4:45 left in the first.

Hempfield's momentum didn't last long, though.

Natalie Richard found Erica McGoogan with a cross and the senior converted for a comfortable 4-1 lead with 1:44 to go and the Spartans wouldn't come any closer.

Hempfield head coach Krissy Edmonds was frustrated her team couldn't generate any chances in the early stages of the match.

“We played well, but our main problem this whole season has been that we haven't been able to play a full game,” said Edmonds.

But it was difficult to penetrate the Seneca Valley defense, thanks to constant chatter. SV earned a 25-11 advantage in shots and 6-3 in corner kicks. Hempfield didn't manage a shot until there was six minutes left in the first half.

“We have good communication. If someone steps up, we always know to fill in. We got their backs,” said Dobbins. “I'm just so proud of the team.”

The Spartans registered eight of their 11 shots in the second half against the Section 2 champs, but freshman goalie Jessica Neill was up to the task.

Morgan Williams — who led SV with 10 shots — gave the Raiders a 5-1 lead with 26:15 to play, shortly before Katie Willard made it 6-1.

“We did have some momentum going for us, but they kept their calm, they kept their composure,” said Edmonds of SV. “It seems like everywhere we want the ball, they're always there to clean it up.”

Hempfield scored once more when Burkhart ripped a shot into the net from about 35 yards away.

The Raiders tallied the final goal on a header from Emily Wagner.

“My main concern was that some girls have been sick, so we kind of missed a few days of practice trying to get them healthy,” said Sylvester.

It's easier to earn a win with numerous threats around the net.

“I think that's why we're so successful,” said Riley. We don't have just one person (who can score).”

SV will play section rival North Allegheny (12-7) — which claimed a 1-0 overtime win over Mt. Lebanon — in the quarterfinals Wednesday. Kickoff at North Hills is slated for 8 p.m.

“Can't wait for the next round,” said Dobbins. “We're ready.”