STOCKTON, Calif. – St. Mary’s of Stockton posted a 98-55 victory over St. Francis Thursday night in the second round of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

“We fought hard the whole game,” said Head Coach Vic Pitton. “They have more athleticism and great shooters. We wish them the best of luck.”

St. Mary’s, the No. 1 seed and No.4-ranked team in the nation according to ESPN, broke open a close game over the last 10 minutes of the first half. The Troubadours kept the game close early, tying the game three times with the last coming at 15 all six minutes into the game.

The Green Machine closed the quarter on an 8-2 run and then broke the game open with a 33-point second quarter to lead 56-35 at the half, improving to 28-1 on the season.

Lauren Craig scored a team-best 19 points but was slowed by early foul trouble, recording four in the first half. She played the whole second half with four fouls.

“Lauren played so hard,” said Pitton. “She played a smart second half and was able to play the whole half with four fouls. She really gave a great effort.”

Kyra Huffman finished with 11 points and Susie Rogers added 10 in the loss.

St. Francis finishes its season 20-8 and advanced to the Sac-Joaquin second round for the second consecutive season.

ST. MARY’s 98, St. FRANCIS 55

St. Francis 17 18 17 3 – 55

St. Mary’s 23 33 34 8 – 98

SF – Craig 19, Huffman 11, Rogers 10, Razo 5, Nicolos 4, Tranchina 4, Ortiz 2. SM – Stephens 3, Shipp 12, Marrya 10, Tudor 26, Anderson 2, Fallal 4, Layton 7, Young 3, Rivera 2, DeCosta 22, Johnson 5, Johson 2.