Photos by Jennipher Willis – Makenzie Brewer in action for the Cubs at the Upper Lake tournament.

By Ray Hamill — A senior-heavy South Fork girls soccer team is hoping to make some noise in this year’s Little 4, in what is expected to be a very competitive race for the championship.

The Cubs have 11 seniors on a roster of 21, most of whom are starting and seeing plenty of playing time early in the campaign.

So experience shouldn’t be a problem, especially with some key team leaders playing important roles.

And more importantly, new head coach Beth Anderson has seen plenty of improvement from the team during the pre-league schedule.

“I think we’re playing pretty well for early in the season,” said Anderson, who has taken over the team from longtime head coach Ann Constantino. “I’m seeing improvement every game.”

The Cubs are 2-4-2 and have been competitive in almost every game, with three of their four losses coming by the slenderest of margins.

They competed at the Upper Lake tournament over the weekend and went 1-1, falling 2-1 to McKinleyville and defeating Upper Lake 2-0.

And several players have been stepping up early in the season, including experienced seniors Makenzie Brewer, Gage Bates and Aubrey Young.

Another senior, Molly Perkins, is helping to anchor the team defense at stopper and has developed a strong partnership with sophomore sweeper Kamea Hawkins, who has quickly established herself as a key member of the squad.

“They’ve been really solid holding down the defense,” Anderson said of the defensive duo.

Up front, junior goalscorer Hannah Savio is back after a big season for the Miranda school last year.

Zoe Bignon

Savio, who was the team’s leading goalscorer in 2024, is leading the attack once again and has netted five goals so far.

“We’re looking to use her speed and footwork,” Anderson said of the striker. “She’s fast.”

Another junior, Elizabeth Chivington, also has been impressing in front of goal.

The versatile Chivington, who plays on the wing, in midfield and at forward, has scored three goals in the opening eight games.

At the other end of the field, senior Aurora Galaz is back for her final high school season and provides a solid last line of defense between the posts.

“She’s started the year strong for us,” Anderson said of shot-stopper. “She’s playing well.”

Freshmen Leyla Curia is a solid back-up in goal and has also impressed when she’s been called upon, including at the Upper Lake tournament.

Leyla Curtis

In midfield, Perkins and fellow senior Karalynn Worswick have also started the season strong and give Anderson a reliable central pairing.

And overall, the new head coach likes a lot of what’s she’s seen so far.

“They’re coming together nicely as a team,” she said. “They support each other, and they want to have cohesion on the playing field, but also as a team.”

The Cubs had a scheduled weekend game against Willits canceled because the Wolverines are unable to make the trip.

Next up, South Fork will open league play at Del Norte on Tuesday.\

Molly Perkins

Elizabeth Chivington