The Fortuna Huskies maintained their unbeaten start to the new softball season with a 5-3 win over the visiting Hoopa Warriors on Thursday.

The Huskies scored two runs in the bottom on the first to take control and added a run in each of the second, third and fourth innings to open up a five-run gap.

The Warriors got on the scoreboard with three unanswered late runs and threatened to tie things up in the seventh inning, but they were unable to close the gap thanks to some impressive defense by the home team.

Libby Johnston got the win in the circle for the Huskies, who improved to 3-0, including two wins over the Hoopa girls.

Johnston finished with three strikeouts and walked seven in 6.2 innings, before Kylee Fennell came in to close out the game and record the save.

Isabel Sanchez led Fortuna at the plate and finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run, while teammate Faith Helms was 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Catcher Zoe Dewberry also had a good game on both sides of the plate, finishing 1-for-4 with a double and a run and also throwing out a pair of runners at third in the final inning.

“I was very pleased with how we’re playing defensively,” head coach Eric Helms said.

Kadence Mace also made an impact and was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run, while Johnston helped her own cause by scoring two runs.

Tatianna Colegrove took the loss in the circle for the Hoopa girls despite striking out 12 batters and walking just two.

Nae-rew Martin led the defending Little 4 champs at the plate and finished 2-for-4 with a triple, while Nalani Colegrove was 1-for-3.

Tatianna Colegrove also had a hit and finished 1-for-3, while Diamond Biabancos finished 1-for-4.

Hoopa dropped to 0-2 on the season with both losses coming against the Huskies.

The Huskies will play at the Cloverdale tournament this weekend, opening against Kelseyville on Friday at 5 p.m.