The South Fork Cubs pushed the Little 4 frontrunners all the way in girls soccer on Tuesday, but the Ferndale Wildcats held on for a key victory to keep them well in contention for the pennant.

“We played a beautiful passing game and created lots and lots of chances,” South Fork head coach Ann Constantino said. “The game could have gone either way. It was a really exciting high school contest where everybody was playing their hearts out.”

Summer Contreras scored South Fork’s only goal of the game, with an assist from the in-form Cadence Young, who has “really turned it on the last few games,” according to her coach.

No stats were available for the Wildcats, who improved to 4-1-2 in league play and took over sole possession of top spot in the standings, although St. Bernard’s (4-1-1) has a game in hand.

Freshman goalkeeper Aurora Galaz continued to impress for South Fork and made seven saves, while freshman Molly Perkins had a good game in defense.

Senior Jaylnn Worswick also had a good game and was instrumental again in midfield, while freshman Makenzie Brewer continued to show plenty of promise up front.

Afterwards, the South Fork fans paid tribute to the Ferndale girls after their show of support for Contreras, who was forced from the game late in the second half with what appeared to be a pretty serious injury.

After lining up to shake the hands of their opponents, the Ferndale players went over to the South Fork sideline to show their support for Contreras.

“It was a very classy move by these ladies,” Summer’s father Chris Contreras said.