Photos By Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Action from Saturday’s game at St. Bernard’s.

The St. Bernard’s Crusaders are hitting their stride at an opportune time.

The defending Little 4 champs won their second straight league game on Saturday afternoon, handing the conference-leading Del Norte Warriors their first Little 4 loss. 

Cadence Figas netted the only goal of the game directly from a cornerback in the opening few minutes and the SB girls held on for a 1-0 victory.

The win lifts them to 2-2-2 (six points) in conference play and puts them in a tie for second in the standings with South Fork, just three points off the summit with three games remaining, including another showdown against the Warriors in Crescent City next Saturday.

The South Fork girls tied their game with Ferndale 1-1 on Saturday.

The difference for the Crusaders over the past couple of games is that they’re finally healthy.

“I think we’re finally starting to build,” St. Bernard’s head coach Jeff Sellars said. “The last two games we’ve had the same starting 11, and that’s the first time that’s happened (all season), and it’s really helping with the team cohesion.”

Figas was outstanding for the home team and a difference maker with her decisive goal.

“Kadence had a stellar game,” her head coach said. “She was threatening and charging through the Del Norte defense all game.”

The St. Bernard’s back line of Sahara Tupua, Addisyn Burris, Chloe Grunden and Paula Bullock also had a big day keeping a dangerous Del Norte attack in check, as did goalkeeper Sarah Luna, who posted the clean sheet as the Warriors were shut out for the first time in league play.

“I thought we had a good game,” Sellars added. “Our defense in particular had a stellar game.”

The SB coach also praised the Del Norte players, who are enjoying a breakout season and remain well on course for a first-ever conference championship in the sport.

“There’s a reason why Del Norte is at the top,” he said. “They’re a great team and they’re a well-coached team.

“I’m proud of my girls for fighting through.”

The Warriors were missing one of their best players, influential midfielder Alex Aguirre, through injury and her absence was felt.

But the rest of the team stepped up without her in the lineup.

“We were down one of our power players and they really held together,” Del; Norte head coach Shawn Eckart said of his players. 

Lilly Franklin continued to impress for the visitors as she has been doing in recent games.

“She had a couple of opportunities,” Eckart said. “It just didn’t quite work out.”

Eckart is hoping to have Aguirre back for Wednesday’s game at South Fork.

“St. Bernard’s is a good team and they definitely showed it today,” the Del Norte coach added.

South Fork and Ferndale, meanwhile, tied their game at Ferndale High.

The Cats broke the deadlock midway through the opening half, but the visitors would battle back after the break when Hannah Savio netted the equalizer to ensure both teams would share the points.

“We played a really good team game,” South Fork head coach Ann Constantino said. 

Genesis Medrano, who assisted on Savio’s goal, was particular effective in midfield, while wingers Calleigh Smith and Kendall Kercher each also impressed for the visitors.

Goalkeeper Aurora Galaz also had a good game for the Cubs and finished with five saves to keep the Wildcats at bay.

“I’ve rally got to hand it to Ferndale, they are so spirited,” Costantino said. “Their togetherness is enviable.”

No stats were immediately available for Ferndale.