The Ferndale Wildcats dropped their season opener at Del Norte on Tuesday night, but head coach Terra Albee was more than happy with a lot of what she saw from her players.

The Cats trailed for much of the game, but rallied in the fourth quarter to make for a competitive finish, with the Warriors holding on late for a 41-36 win.

“It was a great competitive game to start the season for both teams and we are looking forward to the rematch next month,” Albee said.

Emily Chavez scored a team-high 14 points and had two steals for Ferndale, while Kyla Albee got the new season off to an impressive start with 12 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

Kyla Albee had a game-tying attempt in the fourth quarter but was called for a foul on what her head coach described as a “questionable offensive foul.”

The call, and another moments later, changed the momentum, with the influential Kyla fouling out.

Ferndale’s Tinnley Pidgeon added three points and four rebounds, Clara Christiansen had three points and two steals, and Tia Henrikson finished with four rebounds and two points.

Carly Çarmesin and Clara Albee each also had a big night rebounding, with eight and five boards, respectively.