SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Junior Susie Rogers scored a game-high 21 points to lead No. 12 seed St. Francis to a 51-32 victory over No. 21 seed Edison in a first round matchup in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section/Les Schwab Tires Playoffs.

“I am very proud of them for all the hard work that they have put in,” said Head Coach Vic Pitton.

Rogers scored 17 of her 21 points in the first half, helping the host Troubadours lead for the majority of the half and take a three-point lead (25-21) at the break. Rogers made six baskets from the field, including three triples and two free throws.

“I came out with a lot of energy and I was feeling my shot so I kept taking them,” said Rogers, who also grabbed six boards, dished five assists and had four steals.

“She is the one with the experience and she came ready to carry us in the first half,” said Head Coach Vic Pitton. “In the second half, the other players chipped in and got more comfortable.”

The game remained tight in the third quarter as the teams combined for just 14 points. Sophomore Lauren Craig scored a pair of baskets in the period as the Troubies led 33-30. In the fourth, St. Francis opened the quarter with a 13-0 run. The Vikings finally ended the drought with a basket by Leah Hardin with 2:26 left.

“We played great defense in the second half,” said Rogers. “We were really focused on not having them score.”

Craig finished with 11 points with seven boards and six blocks. Senior Amanda Davenport added nine points, including a game-opening three-pointer and six points in the decisive second half. Senior Abby Dow added six points.

“It was great to get a win under our belt,” said Davenport. “It was nice to play our last game at home and get a win. We looked to push the ball all game and they got tired. Susie had a couple nice passes up the court and our posts were running out. As a wing, it my job to get it to the posts and they were wide open.”

Pitton agreed that the tempo was a decisive factor in the game.

“It was a function of us playing up tempo throughout the night,” said Pitton. “It fatigued Edison and we were able to make some shots. It was all triggered by our defense.”

St. Francis travels to face No. 5 McClatchy on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

“We are expecting a good game,” said Davenport. “They have beat a lot of really good teams this season. There are going to be a lot of good matchups.”

Pitton also credited the crowd for the great support Friday night.

“It is always great when you have the sixth man and the student body supporting us,” said Pitton. “We are very appreciative.”

CIF Sac-Joaquin Section/Les Schwab Tires Playoffs
Presented by Farmers Insurance

ST. FRANCIS 51, EDISON 32
Edison 10 11 6 5 – 32
St. Francis 13 12 8 18 -51
E – Perales 10, Smith 8, Buligon 7, Moore 2, Hardin 2, Washington 2, Larkins 1. SF – Rogers 21, Craig 11, Davenport 9, Dow 6, Huffman 2, Bailey 1, Edrosolan 1.