SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Freshman Ella Sloss and junior Lindsey Porter scored within two minutes of each other in the first half to pace St. Francis to a 2-0 win over Elk Grove on Thursday. The win improved the Troubies to 2-2 in league play and 7-4-3 overall.

St. Francis scored the first goal of the day in the 16th minute when Sloss connected off a pass by Lindsey Porter into the box.

“It was really helpful to have everyone in the box,” said Sloss. “It was a good ball by Lindsey (Porter) and just happened to be in the right place at the right time.”

Porter made it 2-0 when she blasted a hard liner off a loose ball after a corner kick two minutes later.

“It felt great,” said Porter, who had three great attempts in the opening minutes. “I was hoping the keeper did not save it. We had worked hard to get the corner and I was lucky to be there.”

The Troubies kept the offensive attack on but were unable to find the net the rest of the game.

“In the second half, we were working trying to connect as a team, making sure to drop back and make sure they did not get behind us,” said Sloss. “There were a few plays where Kim Riley made some good saves in the back. Overall, we were working together to not let them score.”

SF was coming off a 5-2 loss at Davis on Tuesday in rain that lasted most of the contest. The Troubadours fell behind 3-0 in the first half before Taylore Givens scored to cut into the deficit before the half.

Junior Molly Branigan scored early in the second to cut the lead to 3-2, scoring her first goal in a St. Francis uniform as the Troubies had the momentum.

“It felt good,” said Branigan. “As a team we worked really well together. I think our teamwork reflects that goal. I would not have been able to get that goal without that effort.”

Davis rebounded to add two goals for the final margin of victory.

“It was a great show of character,” said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson. “We gave up an early one and they capitalized on another and an own goal. We are down 3-0 and battled back to 3-2. We defended hard and I very happy given the conditions and speed at which they play.”

St. Francis hosts Sheldon on Tuesday, January 16.

St. Francis 2, Elk Grove 0

SF – Sloss (DeFazio/Porter), Porter (Sloss/Givens)