File photo

It took a while, but the Eureka girls eventually found a way past a disciplined South Fork defense in a non-conference girls soccer showdown in Miranda on Saturday.

The Loggers would eventually win 4-0 in a game that will benefit their young lineup after they were challenged mentally and physically.

“It was not a style of play that we were used to,” Eureka head coach Melania Valdez said. “But we still stepped up to make some good opportunities for ourselves.”

Four different players scored for the Loggers, including a trio of freshmen who are quickly adapting to the high school game.

Kyla Benzinger netted for the second straight game, while twin sisters Natalie and Mariah Wyllie each scored their first high school goals.

Lorena Hernandez rounded out the scoring for the Loggers, who improved to 2-0 on the season after also defeating Arcata on Wednesday.

“It’s still fairly early, but every time they step out on the field I see the improvement and the team sees the improvement,” Valdez added. “They’re doing all the right things.”

Even though they lost, the performance was an encouraging one for a South Fork team that does not feature any seniors this season and it was the first time they held the Loggers under 10 goals in several years.

A switch to a low block, or more defensive style of play, paid dividends for the Cubs.

“They bought into it and they did it beautifully,” South Fork head coach Ann Constantino said of her players and the compact game plan.

The central four in the system — Molly Perkins, Aubrey Young, Flora Cruise and Zoe Bignon — were particularly effective for South Fork.

“They just really kept the shape together beautifully,” their coach added.

File photo – The South Fork Cubs

Another freshman stepped up for Eureka, with Payton Graney switching from goalkeeper to left back and turning in a strong performance for the team.

Junior Anneliese Fugate took over in goal, getting her first high school start between the posts and posting a clean sheet.

Two South Fork goalkeepers combined for 10 saves.

Starter Aurora Galaz made six stops before having to leave the game with an injury, and Kamea Hawkins then stepped in and made four saves.

Hawkins, whom Constantino described as their player of the game, also impressed in the outfield before switching to goalkeeper.