Grace Vestal notched a brace and an assist, and Morgan Miner also had a brace, as Tenino regained its offensive rhythm to defeat visiting King’s Way Christian, 4-1, and end a two-game losing skid on Thursday in non-league play.
In a rematch of last season’s district semifinals, which the Beavers won in PKs, Tenino didn’t need any extra time to take care of the Knights. The Beavers, who were held to just a single goal in their two previous matches, finally found their offensive groove.
After dropping two straight, to league rivals Montesano and Elma, the girls called their own team meeting to have a heart-to-heart talk about how to fix their offense.
“We talk a lot about how this is their team,” Tenino coach Kevin Schultz said.
The Beavers made some tactical changes this match, moving Abby Severse and Grace Vestal to forward, moving Emma Barr out wide and pushing Megan Letts up higher. Four different girls played forward at one point.
“Grace and Megan both played their best match in a while,” Schultz said.
Vestal scored goals in the 23rd and 39th minutes, assisted by Alivia Hunter and Letts, respectively, to put the Beavers up 2-0 at the half.
King’s Way Christian scored on a free kick in the 55th to pull within one. Five of the seven goals Tenino has allowed this year have been on free kicks.
Miner scored back-to-back goals in the 70th and 72nd minutes, assisted by Vestal and Letts, to secure the victory.
Tenino (10-4, 2-4 league) hosts Hoquiam in a 1A Evergreen Conference matchup at 7 p.m. Tuesday for senior night.
