Photo by Tiffany Thomsen – The four Fortuna seniors

It was a successful senior night for the Fortuna Huskies in girls basketball on Friday night.

Not only did they celebrate four seniors who have all been with the program for four years, but all of them contributed to a 30-27 win over Del Norte as the Huskies got their first conference win to carry some momentum in the upcoming North Coast Section playoffs.

“It was a big win for us,” head coach Tom Chapman said. “It was so important for us, not only for the seniors, but in terms of NCS.”

It was a defensive battle, and the senior class of Jorlynn Villalvazo, Mariah Bravo, Kalie Chittenden and Myra Hayes all contributed in the win.

Villalvazo hit three big 3-pointers early in the game to help get her team going, while Hayes and Bravo also hit big-time 3-pointers in the second half to give the Huskies a boost at a crucial time of the game and Chittenden had a good all-around game, making her presence felt at both ends of the floor.

“It was a great night to honor our seniors,” Chapman said. “All four impacted tonight’s game on defense and offense.”

The Fortuna coach added that the entire team rose to the challenge, especially on defense.

“They played some fantastic defense,” he said. “The kids were committed to it and really played for their senior teammates. It was kind of a culmination of  the hard work they’ve been putting in.

“Proud of how the team played with purpose tonight. It took all 10 players making key contributions.”

Bravo finished with a team-high nine points and also had 11 rebounds, while Villalvazo had seven points and five boards.

The Warriors were playing without influential senior Brooklyn Carter, arguably their most important offensive player, but they made a game of it.

File photo – The Del Norte Warriors

Tsinte Steinruck had a big night for the visitors and scored a team-high nine points, while some of her teammates also impressed.

Makana Baugh and freshman Bailey Nunez each also scored seven points for Del Norte.

“It was definitely a close game in an excellent environment,” Del Norte head coach Dylan Nelson said. “Fortuna played hard and made some big free throws down the stretch.”

Both teams played good defense, with Nunez, Baugh and Avery Ritter all playing hard for the Warriors under the basket.

“We competed but could’t capitalize at the foul line down the stretch,” Nelson added.

While it wasn’t the seniors’ final game for the Huskies, who are expected to qualify for the upcoming NCS playoffs after going 8-4 against Division-4 schools this winter, it was a chance to celebrate them and what they’ve meant to the program.

Bravo is a three-year varsity player who is a team captain this year.

“She’s been such a pleasure to have in the program,” Chapman said. “I’m so proud of her and how much she’s contributed to the team. She’s worked really hard. She’s really just a great person.”

Chittenden will play at College of the Redwoods after her time at Fortuna.

“Kalie is a great kid that’s worked so hard,” Chapman said. “She has a strong work ethic and she’s a basketball junkie. She loves the game. She loves to compete and she always gives 100 max effort on the court.”

Villalvazo also has worked extremely hard for the team during her time with the program and that’s paid off for her this season.

“Of all the kids we have in the program right now, from her freshman to senior years she has improved the most,” the head coach said. “She has developed so much and worked so hard on her game and she’s an integral part of what we do. She’s just a workhorse.”

Hayes also is a team captain this year and is well respected for her leadership skills, giving her teammates a boost every time she takes the court.

“Myra is the ultimate teammate and she really is a hard worker who practices hard, plays hard and makes contributions to the team,” Chapman said. “When she comes in to play she’s positive and really gets after it.

“And she’s played great defense all season. She’s one of our top defenders.”