SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Junior Malia Berry had 10 kills without an error among three players with double-digit kills as the defending Delta League champions opened with a 3-0 win over Davis Tuesday night 25-21, 25-19, 25-21.

“I feel like we did really well covering our hitters and made sure we had the first side out,” said Berry. “But I feel like we could definitely improve some more.”

Berry recorded her third career game with double-digit kills and second-best single match total of her career (12 vs. Rocklin in 2017).

“She played real well,” said Wright of Berry. “She has been working hard at practice on her hitting and hitting down the line. She had a couple nice line shots tonight but her cross court shot was really effective. I was excited for her for that.”

St. Francis (10-2) opened by taking the first set 25-21 that set the tone for the close match between the annual rivals. The Blue Devils took an early lead in the second before the Troubadours rebounded to tie the set at 17 before finishing strong.

Sophomore Ellie Eichhorn provided two serving runs in the set, finishing the match with team-high tying 11 points on her serve and five aces.

“It felt really good (to contribute),” said Eichhorn, who added 16 assists. “Overall, I felt a little off but with my team surrounding me helped me get through it and felt good to back them up.”

St. Francis closed the match with a 25-21 win in the third set to start 1-0 in league play.

“They showed a lot of grit because they were tired from the weekend,” said Head Coach Alynn Wright. “They played with a lot of determination so I am pleased with the outcome. But it was not one of our better performances but they figured out what they needed to do to get the win. We still have a long way to go.”

It was the first home match for the Troubadours after playing four road matches and at the High Sierra Invitational in Reno over the weekend.

“It was really nice to play at home I have missed playing at home,” said Berry. “It definitely brings more energy.”

Junior All-American Alexa Edwards led the team with 12 kills and 143 digs, while senior Kathryn Kramer recorded 11 kills. Junior Jesiree Moral added a double-double with 18 assists and 13 digs, as well as 11 points off her serve. Senior Sam Chavez led the team with 16 digs.

“It was a lot of fun and since it was our first home win it really nice to be on our home court to beat Davis,” said Eichhorn. “We had to fight for it.”

St. Francis hosts Pleasant Grove on Thursday before the annual match-up with Christian Brothers on Friday.