The defending North Coast Section champions got the new girls soccer season off to a successful start on Tuesday evening.

One year after their historic breakthrough championship, the Wildcats won the first of two early-season games against Clear Lake, winning 2-0 at Ferndale.

The game, however, remained in the balance until late, with Ferndale’s Gianna Regli netting her team’s second goal just four minutes from time to seal the victory.

Macie Hagemann also scored for the Cats, who will play the same opponent again at Clear Lake in two weeks, shortly before opening league play on Sept. 18.

This year’s Ferndale team features a lot of newcomers, with just five returning players from a section championship winning squad that graduated seven players.

However, some of the newcomers have impressed early and look like they will contribute for the next few years.

Most notably, freshman sweeper Claire Renner got the new campaign off to a good start with a strong showing against Clear Lake, as did junior stopper and team captain Michaela Ellsmore.

“For our first game, it was fantastic,” head coach Bailey Davy said. “We’re a very young team with no seniors but we’ve got a really solid group of freshmen.

“It’s a fantastic group of girls and we’ve got a great support system with our parents. I’m really excited for the season.”

Next ups, the Cats travel to Clear Lake for the rematch on Sept. 14.