The Ferndale Wildcats got a boost before facing St. Bernard’s in their conference opener on Thursday night with a hard-fought 40-37 overtime win over the Huskies in girls basketball in front of a big crowd at Fortuna on Tuesday.

Maddison Gossi and Tinnley Pidgeon made some clutch free throws in the fourth quarter and overtime to help lift the Cats to victory in what was a defensive game.

“It was not an offensive game,” Ferndale head coach Chris Ardrey said. “It was a defensive battle.

“I respect the heck out of (Fortuna head coach) Tom (Chapman). He had his girls ready. We just made a couple of more shots than they did.”

Michaela Ellsmore scored a team-high 13 points for the Wildcats, who improved to 10-4 as they get for a challenging conference opener against the defending Division-4 state champs.

Pidgeon added 10 points for Ferndale.

According to the Ferndale coach, the entire team played well defensively.

“It was a whole team defensive effort,” he said. “We’re playing very good defense ever since the West Coast Jamboree.”

Joralynn Villalvazo turned in another strong performance for the Huskies and finished with a double-double, scoring 12 points and adding 12 rebounds.

“I am proud of how much she has developed as a player,” Chapman said.

Mariah Bravo also impressed in the loss and added eight points, four assists and four steals, including some big baskets down the stretch to help keep her team in contention.

However, a disappointing night at the free throw line didn’t help matters for the Huskies, who made just 2 of 11 attempts.,

“Both teams played hard in a very competitive game,” Chapman said.

With the loss, the Huskies dropped to 11-5.

The Fortuna girls tip off their Big 5 schedule at Arcata on Thursday.

Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Wildcats will close out a tough week when they host McKinleyville on Saturday.