SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senior Brinnley Barthels scored with 1:55 left to help St. Francis post a 3-2 victory over Bella Vista. The win closed out a successful night that began by honoring the nine Troubadour seniors.

“It was not pretty tonight but it was a natural letdown after such a big game on Monday,” said Head Coach Heather Moody. “All the seniors hit the water and got a little bit of playing time. It was a slow process getting into the game and we had a hard time getting the ball in the cage.”

Bella Vista found the cage first with a second period goal and led twice in the contest at 1-0 and 2-1. But the Troubadours rallied, getting golas by Emily Reinl and Lauren Charter to tie the game at 3. Barthels scored late and the St. Francis defense held. Goalie Sophie Rubino had five saves in the game.

“It was good to finish it off and finish strong since it was not our best game of the season,” said Barthels.

“We are going to come out way stronger than we did tonight and finish the last tournament off with a bang,” said Barthels. “It is not going to be easy. We are going to go all out, work hard as a team and show our St. Francis pride.”

The Troubadours travel to the Nor Cal Championships in Palo Alto, Calif., starting on Friday.

WATER POLO

ST. FRANCIS 3, BELLA VISTA 2

SF-B. Barthels, E. Reinl, Charter. BV-Lewis, Fulton.