File photo – Sionna Khattab scored one of Arcata’s goals in their 4-2 win on Saturday.

The Arcata Tigers secured third place in Big 4 girls soccer with a 4-2 win over McKinleyville on Saturday afternoon.

And in the Little 4, the Ferndale Wildcats tied South Fork 0-0, earning a third straight stalemate and a fourth in five games despite being undermanned in all of those games.

The Arcata girls overcame an early one-goal deficit on their way to beating their rivals.

Ada Kizinger netted twice in the win, with Sionna Khattab and Josey Kimber-Roach each also scoring.

The game was tied 1-1 at halftime, but the Tigers came out the stronger of the two teams in the second half and quickly took control.

With the win, they improved to 3-2-1 in conference play and guaranteed themselves third in the final standings with one game to go.

“We came together at halftime, regrouped and started the second half with a strength and determination, playing for each other as a team,” said Arcata head coach Mathew Ingram, who added “We earned the win tonight.”

The coach also praised the performance of his back line, which he said played “outstanding defense.”

Goalkeeper Sonja Vevoda-Whalig also made a “couple of amazing saves,” according to the coach.

Emily Mather and Gabby Watson each scored a goal for McKinleyville.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, however, the game got away from them early in the second half.

“We played decent in the first half,” head coach Brady Burtchett said. “But in the second half, for the first 20 minutes we came out completely flat and they took advantage. It was a little disappointing.”

The Panthers were without a couple of starters, including the influential MaryAnn Som, who was unable to play.

“That definitely impacted us,” Burtchett said of the absences.

The ever-impressive Watson and Mather played well up front and caused problems for the Arcata defense, while sweeper Ahty Allen continued to play a high level in defense.

File photo – Claire Renner

The Ferndale girls, meanwhile, continue to battle with less than a full team and had just eight outfield players on hand for Saturday’s game.

But despite being shorthanded because of a plethora of early-season injuries, they also continue to earn the respect of opposing coaches and players.

“I’ve got to hand it to Ferndale, they were very strong and fast,” South Fork head coach Ann Constantino said. “I cannot say enough about them. What they are able to do with only eight field players is really amazing.”

Ferndale head coach Bailey Davy was happy with her players’ efforts and performance once again.

“The girls played really well today,” she said after the game. “They were fun to watch. Our midfield was controlling the center, stringing passes together, getting great looks forward.

“We were knocking on their door the whole game. Unfortunately we just couldn’t score.”

One player who stood out for the Cats was Margaret “Maggie” Weiss, who had a “phenomenal game,” according to Davy.

Weiss missed some time this season through injury but has played a pivotal role for the team since her return two weeks ago.

And remarkably, Weiss has been doing so despite playing the game for the first time ever this fall.

“She’s a natural,” Davy said of the newcomer, who has three assists in her first two games back. “She has speed, quickness and is extremely coachable.”

Weiss was an ever-present on the bench during her injury and the coach believes that has helped her game.

“I think a lot of her growth came from when she was out,” Davy added. “She got to sit on the bench and really watch how the game was played. She came back two weeks ago and it’s like she never skipped a beat.

“It’s really impressive. I don’t know that I’ve ever coached an athlete that has adapted to the game as well as she has.”

Weiss combined effectively with teammate Madison Gossi and the two “connected almost seamlessly for most of the second half,” according to their coach.

“They both had great opportunities up top,” Davy added. “Madison is a threat anywhere she is on the field. She left everything she had on the field today.”

The Cats had a golden chance to take the win with a penalty kick, but missed the opportunity.

Freshman Claire Renner also continued to impress in defense for the Ferndale girls in the absence of standout Michaela Ellsmore, who is out injured.

“She had a great game,” Davy said of Renner. “Not much made it passed her.”

For more on the South Fork girls and their performance, see GIRLS SOCCER — Big 4 to go down to the final day of action …