Photos by Cherie Fry Circe – The McKinleyville seniors were honored before Saturday’s game.

The Panthers are building momentum at an opportune time and playing their best soccer of the season as the playoffs approach.

More importantly, a 4-1 win over Arcata on Saturday was the McKinleyville girls’ second victory over their biggest rivals this season.

“It feels good to win the series this year,” McKinleyville head coach Adam Canepa said.

Senior Soffia Reyes is closing out her high school career with a bang and was involved in all four of her team’s goals.

The skillful senior scored a hat trick and assisted on the fourth goal, which was scored by Thea Trout.

“Our midfield did really well today,” the head coach said. “Soffia had her best game of the year, playing alongside (freshman) Grace Pimentel. Those two played very well together.”

Reyes and Trout were among three key players the team welcomed back after injury/sickness and the difference was immediately noticeable.

Trout’s goal came on a pinpoint cross from Reyes and the senior striker made no mistake with a wonderful finish.

“We played excellent. It was our best game of the season,” Canepa said. “We really are hitting our stride.

“This win puts us in a good place to make sections.”

Trout also had a big game, as did the ever-improving Liz Mengel, as well as goalkeeper Caitlyn Canepa, who “came up big a few times,” according to her coach.

Caitlyn Canepa