SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senior Julia Razo scored a game-high tying 27 points to lead St. Francis to a 79-65 win over Christian Brothers in front of a sold out crowd of 1,200 fans Saturday afternoon in the annual Holy Hoops rivalry game.

“We were all in the moment, play by play, giving it our all,” said Razo, who reset her career-high for points in a game. “Our adrenaline really helped us and we maintained a pretty good composure for a big game like this.”

Razo scored 14 of her 27 points in the first quarter as the Troubies built a double digit lead 27-16. Senior Janae Fairbrook, junior Marlee Nicolos and sophomore Jackie Koerwitz each added two baskets in the first as SF got off to a great start in the game.

Christian Brothers trailed 44-30 at the break despite four three-pointers by Kalani Mark in the first half.

“The energy and effort was there,” said Pitton. “With the excitement of the crowd, we had a lack of composure at times especially on offense and not recognizing the defensive responsibility. We were trying to mark #21 (Mark) and not let her get the threes off.”

Mark had three more triples in the third as the Falcons stayed within striking distance, cutting the lead to eight points twice in the half. She finished with 27 points.

“We were reminding each other that we could do it and to play the way we normally play,” said Razo.

But the Troubadours responded in the fourth as Razo connected for eight points.

“We made big shots, which is what we have been capable of this season,” said Pitton. “Julia was fantastic, Jackie had a big three and Marlee was all over the boards. It was a hard-fought battle. We were able to respond when we needed to.”

Koerwitz finished with 15 points, while Nicolos and Fairbrook each contributed 14 points to the win.

“It keeps our confidence up and boosts our self-esteem,” said Fairbrook of the victory.

St. Francis (14-7) won their seventh in a row, completing a perfect week.

“With the atmosphere, it was important for us to open up a lead and sustain it over the course of the game,” said Pitton. “It was a comfortable win.”

The game is a special event for players and fans alike and is circled on the schedule for both teams as soon as each season is set up.

“We have played in a lot of big games,” said Pitton. “But this is one that has the most noise and fan involvement. It rivals what the boys see quite frequently so it is great for them to get exposed to this because it is a treat to have the atmosphere and craziness. They are rooting for us and some against us. It is a special night for sure.”

St. Francis swept all three games on the afternoon. The JV team posted a 52-31 win as three players scored in double figures led by 12 each by Akira Cherry and Lily McLoughlin. Brynne Burrows added 10 as the team remained undefeated on the season (21-0). The freshmen opened the day with a 38-12 win as Mia Fleming-Mullins scored a team-best 17 points.

“It is good to see the freshman and JV take care of their business and see the JV continue their undefeated season,” said Pitton. “We wish them well and that they are able to finish it off.”

St. Francis travels to Davis to take on the Blue Devils on Monday night.

SF –  Razo 27, Koerwitz 15, Nicolos 14, Fairbrook 14, Kelly, 4, Keitges 3, Bagatelos 2. CB – Mark 27, Juniel 18, Sims 7, Prichard 4, Shine 4, Dahl 2, Sunada 2, Cooper 1.