Bryden Giesen’s goal seven minutes into the second half put Hermantown in position for a big upset on Thursday night at Cloquet-Carlton in the Section 7AA girls soccer semifinals.

With the help of eight second-half saves from Lucy Critchley in the Hermantown goal, the fifth-seeded Hawks earned a 1-0 victory and a berth in next week’s section final.

The loss for Cloquet-Carlton, the No. 1 seed in the 7AA bracket, marks the first time since 2018 that the Lumberjacks’ season ended short of the state tournament.

Gabby Anderson made five saves for Cloquet-Carlton.

The Hawks weren’t the only surprise winners on Thursday night, as second-seeded Duluth Denfeld was upset 2-1 by third-seeded Grand Rapids in a weather-delayed late game at Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field in Duluth.

The

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