ELK GROVE, Calif. – St. Francis and Franklin tied for the Delta League tennis title last year and had the first match against their rival circled on the schedule. The Troubadours made the first statement of the season with a 7-2 win over the Wildcats at Laguna Creek Racquet Club to take over first-place in the league standings.

“We have been looking forward to Franklin knowing it would be one of our toughest matches all season,” said senior Sabrina Voeller. “It feels very good to win. It is amazing.”

Voeller partnered with senior Abby Benvenuti to claim a straight-set win at No. 1 doubles 6-1, 6-2, securing the first of three doubles wins and fourth point.

“The match went really well,” said Voeller. “Our opponents were tough but Abby and I play really well together. We saw their weaknesses and played up to our strengths.”

Junior Kiya Jackson played one of the tougher matches of the day, securing a victory at No. 3 singles over Jaylynn Tan to clinch the match. She won the first set 6-1 and gritted out a 7-6 (2) win in the second.

“I came into the match as an underdog because I knew she was a better player,” said Kiya Jackson. “I went all for it and said go for the ball. I played really hard in the first set and she adjusted in the second. I just tried to play my game.”

St. Francis won four of the six singles matches to build the lead in the match. The Troubies also got wins from junior Kyla Jackson at No. 4, junior Marisa Fat at No. 5 and senior Annie Gianulias at No. 6.

“It was a good foundation and boosted our confidence,” said Jackson of winning four singles matches.

Sophomore Myra Anwar lost to regionally-ranked Jacquie Tan at No. 1 and freshman Adithi Benush fell at No. 2.

St. Francis closed out the match by sweeping the last two doubles matches. Junior Cameron Parra and freshman Samantha Sonntag were 6-2, 6-1 winners at No. 3, while senior Macy Wood and junior Stephanie Fong prevailed 6-4, 5-7, 1-0 (10-4) at No. 2.

The match had special meaning for the Jackson sisters (Kiya and Kyla), who live in Elk Grove and train at the Laguna Creek facility in the offseason.

“I started playing here (at Laguna Creek Racquet Club) and I have a lot of friends on the Franklin team,” said Kiya Jackson. “There were a lot of expectations but it was really nice being home and to get the win.”

St. Francis hosts Monterey Trail on Tuesday at Rio del Oro Racquet Club.

St. Francis 7, Franklin 2

Singles

1. Jacquie Tan, F, def. Myra Anwar, SF, 6-1, 6-1

2. Kayla Nguyen, F, def. Adithi Benush, SF, 6-2, 6-1

3. Kiya Jackson, SF, def. Jaylynn Tan, F, 6-1, 7-6 (2)

4. Kyla Jackson, SF, def. Hallie Wilson, F, 6-3, 6-0

5. Marisa Fat, SF, def. Sara Shao, F, 6-1, 6-2

6. Annie Gianulias, SF, def. Alexis Rosales, F, 6-3, 7-5

Doubles

1. Abby Benvenuti/Sabrina Voeller, SF, def. Veda Reddy/Sydney Leister, F, 6-1, 6-2

2. Stephanie Fong/Macy Wood, SF, def. Winnie Zhao/Millie Essa, F, 6-4, 5-7, 1-0 (10-4)

3. Cameran Parra/Samantha Sonntag, SF, def. Courtney Luu/Rachel Fong, F, 6-2, 6-1