File photos – The Del Norte Warriors lost to East Nicolaus on Tuesday.

All three H-DNL teams involved in the NorCal softball playoffs lost their opening games on Tuesday afternoon to end their seasons.

In the Division-4 bracket, the Big 5 champion Del Norte girls lost 14-2 to East Nicolaus to end a memorable spring for the program, which won a first-ever conference and Charles Lakin tournament double.

In Division 5, St. Bernard’s fell 11-1 in five innings to Leigh High School in San Jose, and South Fork lost 10-1 to Los Molinos in Miranda.

In Division-5 baseball, the Ferndale Wildcats kept their season going with an 8-6 win over Etna, the same team that had defeated them in their opening NorCal game a year ago.

The Cats are now the last remaining H-DNL team still playing this year.

The six-hour drive to San Jose didn’t help matters for the St. Bernard’s girls, who were seeded No. 5 in the bracket, with Leigh No. 4.

“It was not our best showing,” admitted SB head coach Brian Finck.

The Crusaders were held to just two hits in the loss, both by sophomore Sahara Tupua, who finished 2-for-2 with a bunt and a triple.

Senior Hannah Finck was the Crusaders’ only other base runner, reaching on a hit-by-pitch.

“It was a tough outing offensively,” Brian Finck added. “It’s tough to drive six hours and expect the girls to perform at the top of their game.”

While the loss was a disappointment, the season was anything but for the SB girls, who ended an eight-year wait for a Little 4 championship and lost just once in conference play.

And with a largely young roster, the Crusaders appear to have a bright future.

“It was a great season,” the head coach said. “I was impressed with the improvement the girls made all season.”

File photo – St. Bernard’s Hannah Finck

Submitted photo – The South Fork Cubs