ROCKLIN, Calif. – Senior Ileana MacDonald shot a team-best six-over par 78 to lead St. Francis to the Sac-Joaquin Division I North Section title for the eighth consecutive season Monday at Rocklin Golf Club. It is the 87th Section title in school history.

MacDonald tied for fifth overall in the field. Roseville’s Virgie Velasquez was low player on the day with a two-under par 70.

“It was a pretty good round,” said MacDonald. “The greens were pretty fast but my ball striking was spot on today. It is a good way to start off the postseason.”

Senior Victoria Vardanega posted an eight-over par 80 to place eighth overall, while senior Emily Laskin carded am 81 to tie for ninth overall.

“We feel great about today,” said Vardanega. “Luckily we were able to mitigate all the damage on the course and come out on top. We are really happy and pleased about it.”

Vardanega fought back from a rough start that had her six-over par after three holes after hitting in a hazard and losing a ball in a tree.

“I was really down on myself,” said Vardanega. “After three holes, I reminded myself that I have to do it for the team and keep it together.”

She righted her game to par the next five holes and knock in two birdies to post the 80.

“When we are playing we are thinking about the team and the team is the priority,” said Vardanega.

Sophomore Kate Swanson posted a 92, while Kristi Lee carded a 93 to round out the scoring for the Troubadours. Victoria Ramirez recorded a 95.

St. Francis shot a 424 team score, winning by 13 strokes over Davis (437), Rocklin (439) and Granite Bay (452).

“It was not the best day but when you look at all the scores we still played the golf course as it was and came out a head,” said Head Coach Cindy Mah-Lyford. “I am really proud of them for their play in some tough conditions.”

The Troubadours advance to Masters next week at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton.

“It is going to be a different style course,” sand MacDonald. “It is totally different than today. It is going to test our games.”

Sac-Joaquin Division I North Section

18 holes at Rocklin Golf Course, Par 72

Team results: St. Francis 424; Davis 437; Rocklin 439; Granite Bay 452; Oak Ridge 476; Will C. Wood 528; Franklin 577

Low scorers:  Virgie Velasquez, Roseville, 70; Sarah Debnekoff, Pleasant Grove, 74; Camille Wagg, Rocklin, 76; Kylie Fong, Franklin, 77; Ileana MacDonald, St. Francis,  78; Dierra Dollesin, Granite Bay, 78. Emily Masiel, Davis, 78; Victoria Vardanega, 80, St. Francis; Emily Laskin, St. Francis, 81; Ariel Cairo, Napa, 81.

Other St. Francis scores:

Kate Swanson 92

Kristi Lee – 93

Victoria Ramirez – 95