SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis softball team lost to Sheldon 9-2 Thursday, dropping the Troubadours out of playoff contention.

“It has been a rough season for us,” said Viramontes. “At the end of our season, we started to rally and had a lot more energy. It has been a better atmosphere to play in. I am really proud of my team. We fought hard and never gave up.”

Senior Alexis Viramontes went 2-for-2 with a home run and walk and Alejandra Garcia was 3-for-4 in the contest.

“I felt this was one of my better games I have played this season,” said Viramontes. “I felt really relaxed at the plate.”

The Huskies jumped out to lead with a four-run first inning and led 5-0 before St. Francis got on the board in the third.

Rhyann O’Mara scored on a wild pitch after singling and advancing to second on a single by Garcia. She moved to third and eventually scored on back-to-back wild pitches.

Sheldon (17-8, 8-1 DRL) extended their lead with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

Viramontes homered down the left field line in the sixth for her first home run of the season.

Sheldon added two more runs in the seventh off Amy Marks, who took the loss for St. Francis, allowing nine runs (three earned) on 16 hits.

“We are going to cherish our last game here and leave our hearts out on the field,” said Viramontes. “We want to have some fun. We have nothing to lose.”

St. Francis (12-11-1, 4-5) closes the season on Tuesday by hosting Oak Ridge. The four seniors will be honored before the game. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.

SF – Viramontes 2×2 HR; Garcia 3×4; O’Mara 2×3.