LODI, Calif. – The St. Francis water polo team advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals with a 9-5 win over Granite Bay Tuesday at Tokay High School.

“It was a good team attack,” said Head Coach Heather Moody. “We started out slow again so that is concerning so we will work on that for Thursday’s game. Once we got going and communicating, the defense definitely picked up.”

Lodi jumped out to a 1-0 lead to start the game. But the Troubadours settled and led 3-1 after the first period. They extended the lead to 7-2 at the half and the Flames never got any closer.

“We got a good win,” said junior Sam Reinl. “We worked as a team. We started a little slow but we totally brought it and worked together. I am proud of us.”

Reinl was one of the three Troubadours with two goals each in the contest, including Jennalyn Barthels and Lauren Charter. Maggie Oys, Ali Tambornini and Julie Zanobini also scored for St. Francis.

Goalie Elle Minor had eight saves in the contest.

“I definitely felt more on top of things and I was pumped up for this game,” said Minor. “The early goal was a wake-up call that it was not going to be as easy as the last game we played. We needed to go out and be aggressive with high intensity.”

St. Francis advances to the semifinals on Thursday against Vintage at 2 p.m. at Tokay High School. Del Oro and Davis meet in the other semifinal at 1 p.m.

“We have to work as a team, communicate, have fun and win,” said Reinl about the goals for Thursday.

SF – Barthels 2, Charter 2, Reinl 2, Oys, Tambornini, Zanobini. L – Martin 2, Grim 2, Brooks.

DIVISION I GIRLS
Quarterfinals/Tuesday at Tokay HS
Davis Sr. 8, St. Mary’s 3
Del Oro 14, Merced 4
St. Francis 9, Lodi 5
Vintage 6, Granite Bay 2

Semifinals/Thursday at Tokay HS
Del Oro vs. Davis Sr., 1 p.m.
Vintage vs. St. Francis, 2 p.m.