CREVE COEUR • Blake Smith was pretty sure there was a light somewhere at the end of the long tunnel.
But the Eureka High senior goalie never thought it would shine so brightly.
With Smith and junior sniper Chase Baker leading the way, the Wildcats have suddenly become a force in the Missouri Scholastic Lacrosse Association.
Eureka cemented its status as an early-season power with an impressive 13-4 triumph over previous unbeaten Webster Groves on Wednesday at De Smet High.
Just two short years ago, Eureka struggled to be competitive losing 11 of 18 matches — many by one-sided margins.
"We didn't really know how to win," said Smith, now in his third season in goal. "And I think that some of the players didn't even want to win."
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Baker, also a three-year regular, agreed, "There just wasn't any chemistry there."
The Wildcats have turned heads across the league with their impressive about face.
"This just might be the best team they've ever had," Webster Groves coach Brandon Hope said.
Eureka won just five matches in 2015 and seven in 2016. But the pieces began falling into place last season as they won 13 games.
Now, the one-time doormats, are flexing their muscles with a sparkling 9-1 mark. They have won four in a row outscoring their opponents 58-10.
"When you're losing all the time, you keep telling yourself it's going to get better," Smith said. "We kept saying, wait until we're seniors, wait for that senior year - that's when it's going to all come together."
It has - in part due to Smith, who turned in a strong performance against Webster Groves with a trio of first-half saves while the contest was still in doubt.
Baker has developed into the top offensive threat in the league with a whopping 53 goals — an average of 5.3 per contest.
"He's our go-to guy, but he's getting a lot of support as well," Eureka veteran coach Tim Ganey said. "The other guys draw attention and it makes it easier for everyone."
Baker scored five times against Webster Groves, which fell to 3-1. Jacob Van Kleeck added three goals. Michael Ward and Michael Collett chipped in with two goals each.
"The biggest thing is that these guys, our seniors and juniors, have played together for a long time, maybe six, seven or eight years in the program," Ganey said. "We're starting to see things finally come to fruition."
The Wildcats took control early on Wednesday with four first-period goals. Baker started and ended the run, sandwiched around tallies from Van Kleeck and Collett.
Webster Groves, which won its first three matches by a combined 33-7, battled back to within 5-3 on goals by Max Hartrich, Luke Farrell and Will Tegenkamp.
But Eureka responded with a three-goal blitz over the final 2:05 of the half. Ross Mikel ended the run with a drive from close range set up by a steal from Josh Stoltz with 44 seconds remaining.
The Wildcats used a 4-1 outburst over the first 10:04 of the third period to put the match away.
"A lot of this is because of the work we've done in the offseason," Baker said. "Coming from losing seasons and becoming a powerhouse, it's a great feeling."
Webster Groves struggled to get any sort of offensive rhythm. And when it managed to get a good look, Smith was there to shut the door.
"I think (Eureka) just wanted it more," Hope said. "Once we got behind, we had two decisions, to fight back or lay down and roll over. I think we just chose to lay down and roll over."