DAVIS, Calif. – Head Golf Coach Bert Jones has preached every stroke matters since he took over the program in August. The Troubadours made their coaches’ mantra prove prophetic Monday, clinching the Delta League title with a one-stroke win in the third and final Center match Monday at El Macero CC.

“When the round gets tough, you can get down on yourself and give up and not think about how very stroke matters,” said Saca. “This shows they really matter because we only did win by one. We are No. 1 because of one stroke. You have to keep your head up and remember every putt matters and is important.”

Saca was one of two St. Francis players to post par on their final holes on Monday.

St. Francis posted a 434 for the five-player combined team score, edging Pleasant Grove (435). Elk Grove was third with a 484 and Davis posted a 505.

“We won by one stroke so they do matter – every putt, every chip, every drive – and the girls delivered,” said Head Coach Bert Jones. “I knew they had a chance to win the league when I saw the tryout scores (in August). But until they held up the pennant, you really do not appreciate all the work they put in. I am very proud.”

St. Francis clinched the league title via the season-long point system for league matches by winning their second Center match and all seven dual matches. The Troubadours won the league title for the second consecutive season.

“It is really great about the team championship,” said junior Lauren Allen, who shot an 86 on Monday. “We have worked super hard this year and (Coach) Bert (Jones) has really helped us with it. Knowing the one stroke really matters is really going to push this week to get our scores down.”

Sophomore Olivia Alcoran carded an 88, while junior Lauren Liberatore posted a 96. Freshman Amanda Siy had a 103 in her first tournament of the season.

 “We had a tough competition today,” said Saca. “We only won by one stroke but are ultimately No. 1 in the league now which is really exciting. My whole team really wanted it really bad and we are really excited to continue into the playoffs.”

Saca and sophomore Patricia Sweeney tied for team-best honors with 10-over par rounds of 82.

“My round today was pretty good,” said Saca, who shot 43-39 on Monday. “I really wanted to break 80 but an 82 is still pretty good.”

St. Francis will compete in the Division I North Section Championships next Monday at Timber Creek Golf Course in Roseville. The top four teams advance to the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Tournament one week later. The Troubies have won the Division I North title in eight of the last 10 seasons.

“We are going to practice and focus on what we need to get our scores lower and stay consistent,” said Saca.

Alcoran and Sweeney joined Allen on the 10-player All-League team. It was the second consecutive honor for Alcoran and Sweeney.

DELTA LEAGUE CENTER #2

18 holes at El Macero CC, par 72

Team Standings: St. Francis 434, Pleasant Grove 435, Elk Grove 484, Davis 505.

Low Scores (Top 5): Dean, Davis, 78; Sadig, PG, 81; Samuel, PG, 81; Sweeney, SF, 82; Saca, SF, 82.

Other St. Francis: Allen, SF, 86; Alcoran, SF, 88; Liberatore, SF, 96; Siy, SF, 103.