The White River Hornets kept pace in the South Puget Sound League 2A soccer standings Thursday night with a convincing 3-1 victory over Steilacoom High.

White River wasted little time jumping on top, taking a 1-0 lead in the third minute of play when Ashley Powell scored off a Cassidy France assist. France built the lead with a tally at 13 minutes and Powell added her second goal, again off a France assist, shortly before intermission.

The Sentinels’ only goal came late in the game.

The victory pushed the Hornets’ record to 4-2 in SPSL 2A play – good for a second-place tie with Eatonville – and 5-3 overall.

White River had scheduled a nonleague contest against Hazen High Oct. 11 and suffered its worst loss of the season, falling 5-0 to the Highlanders.

This week is crucial to shaping the final league standings, as White River hosted first-place Fife Tuesday and travels to Eatonville Thursday.