File photo – Eureka’s Grace Nelson had three assists in Tuesday’s win at Fortuna.

The Eureka Loggers took a big step toward retaining their Big 4 girls soccer championship with a statement win on Tuesday.

Playing in Fortuna against a shorthanded Huskies team that was missing some key players, the Loggers won 7-0 to move two wins clear at the top of the league standings.

And more frightening for the rest of the league is the fact the Eureka girls appear to be growing stronger as the season progresses.

Lila Ekholdt and Lorena Hernandes each netted twice in the win and both had an assist, while the creative Grace Nelson set up three of her team’s goals.

Maia Hales, Ella Tollefson and Olivianna Millender each also scored in the win.

“Fortuna wasn’t at full strength, they were missing some players,” Eureka head coach Tommy Learmouth said. “I didn’t think we started the game particularly well, but I thought we grew into the game really well.”

The three-headed midfield monster of Ekholdt, Tollefson and Angelina Conant continued to set the tone for Eureka in the middle of the field.

Conant, in particular, has seen her stock rise this year and has established herself as one of the most dangerous players in the H-DNL.

“Angelina is absolutely on fire,” Learmouth said of the junior standout. “She’s arguably been our best player this season.”

The Eureka players continue to impress Learmouth with their attitude and approach to the game.

“They’re always willing to learn, always willing to grow,” the head coach said. “They’re really supportive of each other.”

The Huskies were missing some players who were visiting colleges.

In other league games on Tuesday, the Panthers and Arcata Tigers tied 1-1 at Mack High.

Next up, on Thursday, the Loggers will host Arcata and the Huskies will host McKinleyville.

Eureka’s Lorena Hernandes