SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis volleyball team prevailed 3-1 in the annual Holy Court rivalry game with Christian Brothers on Friday night. The Troubadours improved to 20-4 on the season with the four-set win 22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-18.

“I am very proud of how consistent they played,” said Head Coach Alynn Wright. “They did not let their emotions get out of control. You could see the nerves the first set. Christian Brothers started very well and really played well all night. Once we got our confidence, they relaxed.”
Sophomore Alexa Edwards led the team with 25 kills and recorded 17 digs.

“It feels amazing,” said Edwards. “We played for each other. Last year we came in thinking we were going to win and we had nothing to lose this year. We had fun and that made us play better.”

Christian Brothers took he first set 25-22 to fire up the sold out home crowd. But the Troubies were not about to let go of the match.

Including Edwards, five players had double-digit digs with 21 each by Mady Schildmeyer and Sam Chavez. Senior Aubrey Kenny added 20, while Schildmeyer directed the offense with 51 assists.

“It is exactly what we needed at this point in the season to have a really tough match,” said Wright. “We have two matches coming up next week that are going to be tough (Pleasant Grove and Davis). I was proud of every single one of the kids.”

St. Francis enters the week 9-0 in Delta League play.

“It was a great team effort and they were there for each other tonight,” said Wright. “They played unselfish.”

Senior Carly Simpson provided 12 digs and a solid serve. “I am so proud of my team,” said Simpson. “We were nervous but after the first set we just focused on our game.”

The varsity win completed the sweep for the Troubadours.

“I don’t think we played our best but we stuck together as a team,” said JV Head Coach Taryn Wright, whose team posted a 2-0. “We dug deep in a tight situation and came out on a top.”

The freshman team opened the night with a 25-10, 25-13 win over the Falcons.

“I am very proud of the team,” said Wright. “Holy Court has always been the first game. Now it is in the middle of the season and there is a lot of buildup. They did great.”

All three levels are on the road at Pleasant Grove and Davis this week. Varsity plays in the Stockton invitational and Saturday and the program hosts its annual PAL Tournament on Saturday.

St. Francis Varsity 22 25 25 25

Christian Brothers 25 19 21 18