Eisenhower’s Caroline Smelko (17) battles for possession with Seneca’s Emma Carrier during Wednesday’s match at Eisenhower High School.

Caroline Smelko’s second-half goal lifted Eisenhower to a 1-0 win over visiting Seneca Wednesday.

The win kept the Lady Knights within a game of second place in a suddenly crowded top of the Region 3 standings.

“As always, Caroline was a key player on the field, transitioning quickly between offense and defense,” Eisenhower coach Diana Elmquist said. “She has contributed to all of our wins in a mighty way, but it has been nice to see her find the back of the net in our recent games.”

Smelko’s shot came from the top of the box, split a pair of defenders and squeezed between the keeper and the upright.

Faith Johnson made 11 saves in net for the shutout.

“All of the girls contributed to the win this evening,” Elmquist said. “It was some of the best play I have seen yet. An all out battle from the first blow of the whistle. It was really a case of it only takes one and it was a competition right to the final buzzer to defend against any goals.”

The win improved Eisenhower’s overall record to 9-5-2, with a 4-2-1 mark in the region. Iroquois and Cambridge Springs played to a 1-1 tie Wednesday night. The Braves and Blue Devils sit with equal 5-1-1 Region 3 records. Iroquois comes to Eisenhower Tuesday for the final region tilt of the year. The Braves won the first match of the season, 1-0, in Iroquois.

The winner of Tuesday’s match will secure at least second place in the region.

“We are putting our heads down and working hard to prepare for our final region game against Iroquois,” Elmquist said.