File photo – South Fork’s Gage Bates and her teammates traveled to McKinleyville and tied 1-1 in non-conference action on Thursday.

McKinleyville’s Pimentel sisters combined on the game-tying goal in the second half of Thursday’s non-conference girls soccer game against South Fork, as the home team rallied to secure a share of the spoils.

The Cubs took a first-half lead on yet another goal from junior Hannah Savio, one of the most consistent strikers in the H-DNL, and they led 1-0 at the break.

However, the Panthers would battle back on a goal by Abi Pimentel, which was assisted by her older sister Grace.

The game ended 1-1.

“We started off slowly and then picked up the intensity,” McKinleyvlle head coach Adam Canepa said. “I would say we outplayed them for the majority of the game, but their defense was hard to get through.”

Zoe Bignon, Kara Worswick and Kamea Hawkins all played well for the Cubs with some strong play in midfield and defense.

As did the always dangerous Pimentel sisters, who have become a force for the Panthers.

“Grace and Abi worked really well together,” Canepa said.

Emily Mather also had a good game for McKinleyville and has established herself as one of her team’s most consistent players.

In midfield, senior Betty Weldon had a big game, turning in what her coach described as “probably her best game of the year.”

The Little 4 school gave the Panthers all they could handle.

“South Fork plays with a very offensive mindset,” Canepa said. “But I thought our defense did really well. They’re hard to play against. South Fork is good.”

Both teams will resume conference play on Saturday.

South Forks hosts Ferndale and McKinleyville hosts Arcata.