A lineup change paid dividends for the Centralia girls soccer team Tuesday, which started its week with a 3-1 win over Shelton in 2A EvCo action.
The Tigers (3-2, 2-1 2A EvCo) moved Olivia Gruginski up from her usual spot at central midfield to striker, and the junior paid the decision off with two goals, in the 23rd and 62nd minutes.
Her first goal was a second in quick succession for the Tigers, who opened the scoring in the 20th minute on a goal from Jaslin Corona, in a good spell of possession for the guests.
“I told the girls that we are a good team when we play our game and not the long ball,” Centralia coach Luis Magana Reyna said. “We are a team that can triangle-pass around teams if everyone plays their role and moves to be the available pass.”
Braylee Blankenship came up with five saves for Centralia, while the back line of Yarexy Mejia, Isabelle Gruginski and Bella Gomez helped pitch a shutout for 70 minutes before being pulled late to save their legs. Shelton scored its goal against backups in the 77th.
Centralia will take on W.F. West in the first leg of the Chronicle Cup in Chehalis on Thursday.
