Photos by Jennipher Willis – Action from Tuesday’s game between South Fork and Del Norte.

The Little 4 champion Ferndale Wildcats continued to build momentum ahead of the North Coast Section playoffs with a 3-2 win over St. Bernard’s in girls action on Tuesday.

Also in girls action on Tuesday, Del Norte and South Fork tied 0-0, Arcata defeated Eureka 3-0 and Fortuna defeated McKinleyville 6-0.

In boys action on Wednesday, Del Norte tied Arcata 2-2 and McKinleyville beat St. Bernard’s 11-0.

The Ferndale girls, who recently wrapped up their first league title in 16 years, continued to take care of business on their senior day.

The Hagemann sisters — freshman Madison and sophomore Macie — both enjoyed big games and accounted for all three of their team’s goals.

Each netted once early in the opening half to give their team a two-goal advantage before the visitors came storming back to leave the two schools tied 2-2 at the break.

But Madison would net the winner in the second half to secure a ninth straight win for the team.

“It was an intense game, very physical on both sides, but we were ultimately able to secure the third goal late in the second half and held strong until the end,” Ferndale head coach Bailey Davy said. “We played better as a whole team in the second half.”

CJ Figas scored both goals for St. Bernard’s, with Eliana Sellars assisting on one.

“It was a hard-fought match, and again I’m really proud of the effort today,” SB head coach Jeff Sellars said.

Both Figas and Eliana Sellars continued to impress up front for the visitors, as they have for much of the season, while Amber Smith continued to set the tone in midfield and “showed great composure and work rate, connecting play and helping us control long stretches of possession,” according to Jeff Sellars.

Photos by Jennipher Willis

Alyssa Boham was central to the attack, the coach said, while Sariah Vainuku also had a great game, “working hard to maintain possession,” the coach said.

In defense, Carli Baum, Paula Bullock, Macie Wantt and Xochitl Granados all “stayed organized and resilient, making some key stops under pressure,” Jeff Sellars added, while goalkeeper Kaitlyn Amis made several important saves to keep her team in the game.

“Overall, the team showed great character and fought to the final whistle,” Jeff Sellars said.

The Hagemann sisters, however, proved decisive in a tight game and had a “great day,” Davy said.

Macie’s goal was a beautiful long range effort that sailed into the top of the net.

“It was definitely a match highlight,” the coach added.

After some recent lopsided results, it was a good test for the home team as they get set for the upcoming section playoffs.

“The girls played well. We definitely felt the pressure from SB today,” Davy said. “They put us in a spot we haven’t been in in a little while.”

The Wildcats also celebrated their seniors before kickoff, a class that includes Tinnley Pidgeon, Michael Ellsmore and Madison Gossi.

All of them have left an indelible mark on the program history, helping to secure a first-ever NCS championship two years ago and a second league title this fall.

Photos by Jennipher Willis

“Our seniors are so special, and they have led this team by example for the last two years,” Davy said. “It was an emotional afternoon for the team, but that speaks volumes for the impact that these seniors have had on this team. None of us are ready to say goodbye to them.”

The Arcata girls, meanwhile, comfortably took care of business against rival Eureka.

Ada Kinzinger, Zalayshia Velazquez and Ava Deyhim each netted in the win, which was achieved with a good all-around team effort, according to the coaches.

No details were available for the Loggers.

It was a disappointing afternoon for a short-handed McKinleyville Panthers team, which suffered a lopsided loss against Fortuna.

“We played okay but could have played better,” said McKinleyville head coach Adam Canepa, who was missing three key players and had just 12 players available.

Emily Mather had another good game for the Panthers after switching from attack to midfield.

“Emily played excellent,” Canepa said. “We moved her back to center midfield and she played well.”

Claire Creps and Amara Som also had good games for the Panthers, but, according to Canepa, the team’s lack of experience and lack of depth were too much to overcome.

“They still played hard to the end,” Canepa said. “So definitely compliments to my team for that.”

In boys action, meanwhile, Del Norte battled back from an 0-2 halftime deficit to tie Arcata.

Alexis Ortiz and Giovanni Lopez-Minor netted second-half goals for the Warriors.

“My boys showed character and heart to come back from the 2-0 deficit,” Del Norte head coach David Sanyaolu said. “We have only lost to one team all season. That shows the level of competitiveness my boys bring to every game. I am very proud of them.”