LAKE CENTRAL | It took some self reflection, but Times No. 9 Lake Central is finally beginning to play like it's capable of.
The Indians' many weapons were on display in Thursday night's 3-1 win over No. 2 Griffith.
"We were just a little lethargic (earlier in the season)," L.C. senior Lauren Doreski said. "This time we were more focused and ready to go. As a team, we realized that (a 2-0 loss to Munster last week) wasn't the level of soccer we know how to do, and we realized we need to play at our level and not their level."
Griffith (5-2) is sliding, losing it's second straight match after starting the season with five wins.
"We're a little beat up, actually a lot beat up," Panthers coach Wally Kudyba said. "Anytime you play a 5A school, the numbers are against us, but (Lake Central is) a great team."
Griffith junior Yadira Castellanos suffered a knee injury on Tuesday. She'll have an MRI soon and could miss the rest of the season.
L.C. (7-3) opened things up barely a minute into the game when Doreski rebounded Tarah Hamby's shot. Panther goalie Amy Bubala stopped the first shot but couldn't corral the ball and Doreski was in the right place about 10 yards out on the right side.
"I'm always far post. It just came by and I was wide open," Doreski said. "I just hit it down and drove the ball and made sure I didn't kick it over and embarrass myself."
At 13:14, Griffith was called for a hand-ball violation in the box, giving Alisha Donovan a penalty kick. Donovan beat Bubala to the lower left corner to give the Indians a 2-0 lead.
"We're making some progress," L.C. coach Julie Moore said. "They had some nice connections and we put some nice goals in."
Shannon Freedom notched Lake Central's third score of the night about seven minutes into the second half.
Krystal Mendoza put the Panthers on the board with a goal at 70:20.
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