There was no separating the last two Redwood League champions when they faced off in their league opener in girls soccer on Wednesday afternoon.
Del Norte traveled to Ferndale and a game played in wet conditions ended in a 0-0 tie.
In the Pacific League, meanwhile, on Tuesday the Fortuna girls traveled to McKinleyville and came away with a 7-0 win.
With the victory, the Huskies improved to 1-0 in league play and 4-1-1 overall, while the Panthers dropped to 0-1 and 0-3-1.
At Ferndale, both teams had their opportunities but were unable to break the stalemate.
“We played very well,” Ferndale head coach Sam Licona said. “We passed well, we attacked, but just couldn’t get that goal.”
The Warriors also had their chances and could have come away with a victory over the 2025 league and North Coast Section champs but for a bounce of the ball here or there.
“We had one or two pretty solid opportunities, but didn’t convert,” Del Norte head coach Shawn Eckart said.
Both defenses have been playing well this season.
The shutout was the fifth in six games for the Cats, who are now 5-1 overall, while it was fourth shutout in six games for the Warriors, who are now 2-2-2.
It was also, however, the fourth time in six games the Warriors have failed to score.
“We’re pretty good about keeping the ball out of the net,” Eckart added. “Not so good about putting it in the net.”
Both defenses and both goalkeepers — Ferndale’s Makenzie Chambers and Del Norte’s Avery Ritter — limited their opponents’ opportunities.
Chambers has done a commendable job taking over from three-time league goalkeeper MVP Tinnley Pidgeon and is playing with plenty of confidence while doing a good job keeping her defense organized.
Defensive midfielder Claire Renner also continues to play a pivotal role for the Cats and her influence has grown in each of her three seasons with the team.
“She plays that six position very good,” Licona said. “She knows when to slow the game down and when to speed it up.”
Center midfielder Arlene Glines and wing back Melina Pineda also caused some problems for the visitors with their play.
A Del Norte defense that includes Calia Deater, Deanna Montanez, Sophia Ramirez and Alex Eckart was equally impressive and “really locked it down,” according to the coach.
Both teams were playing without key players.
Injuries have limited the Warriors early in the new season, including an injury to playmaker and team leader Lillie Franklin, while reigning league MVP Madison Hagemann remains sidelined for the Cats but is expected back before the business end of the campaign.
