Westford Academy struggled to generate offense throughout Saturday’s Division 1 North girls’ soccer final against Central Catholic at Connolly Memorial Stadium in Woburn.

But when the Grey Ghosts finally got the chance, they seized it. Senior striker Katherine Pawlak tapped in a loose ball off a corner in the 65th minute to give the No. 2 Grey Ghosts a 1-0 win and their first sectional title since 1999.

Westford (16-1-2) ended a 42-game unbeaten streak for top-seeded Central Catholic (18-1-1), which hadn’t lost since 2015.

Westford senior keeper Emma O’Sullivan denied Central Catholic senior Marissa Greene right in front of the net in stoppage time, and the Raiders also hit the post in the closing seconds.

“We didn’t have many opportunities,’’ said Westford coach Tracy Capone, “but all we had to do was convert one. My heart’s still racing.

“Emma made a great save at a crucial moment.’’

Westford advances to the state semifinal Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. at Brockton High School.

Westford’s goal came after the Grey Ghosts’ first sustained period of possession in the attacking third. They earned a corner, and senior defender Maeli Cherry’s cross found Pawlak near the post.

“I totally thought this game was going to penalty kicks,’’ Pawlak said. “Their whole defense got sucked in to where the ball was. I just stayed out and it came right to me.’’

The line judge appeared to signal for a throw-in at first, but the final call was a corner.

“It’s unfortunate,’’ said Central Catholic coach Casey Grange, “but at the end of the day you still have to clear the ball and we didn’t do that.’’

Westford junior midfielder Brooke Ditcham marked Central Catholic senior striker Elayna Grillakis — the reigning Globe Division 1 Player of the Year — all game. A Raider offense that racked up 11 goals in its first two tournament games was held scoreless.

Grange lauded her senior class, which contributed to two consecutive undefeated regular seasons.

“They represent Central Catholic girls’ soccer really well,’’ Grange said. “It’s an absolute end of an era.’’

Division 1 South King Philip 3, Newton South 2 (2 OT) — The Warriors (19-1-2) went the distance for the sectional title, winning on a sweet finish from sophomore midfielder Makayla Griffin at Whitman-Hanson.

Capitalizing on quick cross-field passing, Griffin found the ball at the top of the box, using the only two touches the defense allowed to slide a shot back across the field and into the net.

“Coach [Gary Pichel] has stressed making that outside run, and that ball movement,’’ Griffin said. “I came down, took a touch, and just hit it. There wasn’t much time, and I didn’t even see it because everyone swarmed me.’’

South struck first, on a header by sophomore Larissa Williams, but KP answered on a 35-yard free kick from senior defender Emma Corcoran. And the Warriors moved ahead on Chloe Lane’s fourth goal of the tourney. A Corcoran free kick bounced around the middle of the goalie box, and Layne, with her back to the goal, flicked the ball in to give King Philip its first lead.

Midway through the second half, Audrey Lavey converted her 28th of the season for a 2-2 game, eventually resulting in overtime.

“Two years ago we had two wins, and nine of our 11 starters were on the bench because they were hurt,’’ Pichel said. “We were hoping and praying that the sophomore class, combined with our seniors, would do the trick, and I’ll tell you what, the combination of experience and courage has been something amazing to watch.’’

Division 3 South

Abp. Williams 2, Dover-Sherborn 1 (SO) — In both 2012 and 2014, the Bishops were ousted from the tournament on penalty kicks.

  “I swore it would never happen again,’’ said ABW coach Gordie McClay.

The Bishops practice the set piece regularly. Their work paid off as senior keeper Abby McCulloch scored the final goal in the shootout, lifting the top-seeded Archies (19-1-2) to the sectional title at Whitman-Hanson.

Dover-Sherborn (13-4-5) struck five minutes in, with senior defender Olivia Maier burying a 30-yard free kick.

The equalizer came from senior forward Chigozie Sumani, deep in the opposing goalkeeper’s box.

“I was just thinking, ‘We don’t deserve to lose,’ ’’ Sumani said, “so I had to step up and score.’’

After two sudden-death overtime periods, the Bishops secured the victory in penalty kicks.

Juniors Kristen Burke and Mackenzie Heath, shooting first and third respectively, buried their shots. Senior keeper Kaylee Walsh made two vital saves, setting the stage for McCulloch’s winner.

“Abby is a showstopper,’’ McClay said. “She doesn’t miss in practice. When she went up, my assistant coach turned to me and said, ‘you are the most confident coach in the world right now.’ She’s money.’’

McCulloch has split time with Walsh in net thus far this season. Her experience at the position provided an advantage when she stepped up.

“I knew [the shot] had to be low and hard, because it’s the hardest shot to save,’’ McCulloch said. “I went up there, took my safe spot, and hit it.’’

ABW will play the winner of Sunday’s Swampscott/Newburyport North final in a state semifinal on Tuesday.

Division 2 South

Medway 3, Somerset Berkley 2 — Abby Murphy, Meghan Foley, and Audrey Cobb each scored to send the Mustangs (16-2-2) to the final.

Notre Dame (Hingham) 2, Medfield 0 — Emma Tucker scored twice for the Cougars (15-4-2) in the semifinal win.

Ethan Schroeder contributed from Whitman- Hanson.