It’s still very early in the season, but the Del Norte Warriors look like they could be ready to compete for a first-ever league championship in girls soccer.

The Warriors kicked off the Little 4 with a 5-2 win over South Fork in Miranda on Wednesday, but that was only half the story.

After putting in a lot of work over the summer months, this year’s team is playing with a greater maturity and understanding of the game.

“I’ve got to hand it to Del Norte, they look really sharp,” South Fork head coach Ann Constantino said. 

The Warriors had to battle for the win.

After opening up a 3-0 lead in the opening half, they allowed the Cubs right back into contention and led 3-2 at halftime.

But the Del Norte players would answer the call after the break and added two more goals to their tally while standout goalkeeper Deja Payne kept a clean sheet in the second half, including a very good save at one stage to deny the South Fork attack.

“It was a battle,” first-year Del Norte head coach Shawn Eckart said.

Team captain Alexis Aguirre scored a hat trick in the win, while teammate Elizabeth Lopez added two goals, including a penalty kick.

A more composed Warriors team looked good in possession and made their passes count, while communicating with each other on the field more effectively than in years past.

“We’re not getting rid of the ball as much. We’re settling on the ball and trying to move it,” Eckart said. “Our passing is getting a lot better and our defensive line is keeping it tight and working as a unit.”

Aguirre was particularly effective for the visitors and was “all over the pitch,” according to her coach, while Lopez also was instrumental in the victory with her play down the right wing.

“Elizabeth Lopez was moving the ball really well,” the coach added. “She was all over that right side and putting the ball in the right spots.”

Del Norte’s Aurora Mitchell also had a good game and set many of her team’s attacks in motion with some superb passing.

“Her long ball was on the money,” the coach said.

Khloey Hardy scored on a PK for the home team, while Hannah Savio netted the other Cubs goal on a breakaway.

Overall, however, Constantino felt the performance was a little disappointing.

“I feel like we regressed in a lot of ways,” the longtime coach said. “We weren’t holding our positions well and we were overcommitting on defense.”

Elizabeth Chivington had an assist on Savio’s goal, as the Cubs responded well to the early setback to pull within one before halftime.

“I do feel like there were some good moments of passing,” said Constantino, who added “It’s a work in progress.”

A young Cubs team has no seniors on the roster this year.

Among the standouts for the Cubs on Wednesday, Molly Perkins continued to impress as a defensive midfielder, while Flora Cruise had some good moments in defense.

The Cubs, who are now 0-3-2, also tied Fort Bragg 2-2 on Monday.

Savio and Aubrey Young each netted in the tie.

Next up, on Saturday, the Cubs will host Eureka and Del Norte will host McKinleyville.