Three weeks ago, a struggling Westlake squad searching for its offensive rhythm dropped its District 25-5A opener to Bowie.

But on Friday at Chaparral Stadium, the resurgent Chaps continued to distance themselves from those early struggles.

Led by a dominant defense and the playmaking of Dillon Short and Bailey Hinners, Westlake routed Bowie 3-0 for its fourth consecutive win. Hinners, Short and Thomas Haws all scored against Bowie. Short and Hinners also tallied goals in a 2-0 win over visiting Akins Feb. 16.

The triumphs improved the Chaps overall mark to 8-5-3 and 5-3 in district play. With 16 points, Westlake entered the week in third place in 25-5A.

“We are playing well and really beginning to gel on the field like I know we can,” Coach John Campbell said. “I was never too worried about the goals coming. With scorers like Hinners, Short and Haws, it’s inevitable that they’re going to find the back of the net.”

While Westlake’s offense has picked up its scoring punch, the Chap defense retains its stubbornness. Westlake has four consecutive shutouts entering this week, and goalie Dylan Shomaker has five shutouts for the season.

Overall, the Chaps have allowed three regulation goals in eight district matches.

“The boys are more proud of that [the string of shutouts] than anything, I think,” Campbell said. “We’ve worked hard defensively all year in training and it’s paying off.”

In particular, Campbell cited the back row play of David Lukert, Jason Ahuja, Steven Duever and Ryan Melde.