ARDEN TOWN, Calif. – Senior Lauren Charter scored four goals to pace the Troubadours to a 8-7 victory over Rio Americano in a rivalry game that dates back 20 years between the schools.

“It was exciting and it was a real team effort,” said Charter. “We started off a little slow but it proved a lot that we were able to comeback from being down and get control of the game. It was one of our hardest games of the season.”

Rio Americano (7-5) jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first quarter but the Troubadours fought back with four unanswered goals. Charter tied the game at three at the 5:12 mark of the second and added another goal before the half to a take 6-4 lead.

“We did well,” said junior Caroline Urkov. “We had a slow start but came back and got it…When we came in the first quarter, Heather talked to us and we had to come out and push ourselves harder.”

Both teams picked up the defensive intensity in the second half, managing just a single goal each as SF led 7-5 heading into the final period. The Troubies extended the lead to 8-5 before Rio scored back-to-back to cut the lead to 8-7.

Rio had a chance to tie the game in the final minute but their shot was wide left and the Troubies ran out the final 11 seconds on the clock.

Goalie Elle Minor had nine saves in the contest. Maggie Oys, Sam Reinl, Ali Tambornini and Julie Tambornini each scored in the win for St. Francis.

The match featured a large crowd packed around the Rio Americano pool in the matchup of many club teammates in the pool.

“It was more fun knowing who we are playing against and knowing what they do,” said Charter. “We had to figure how to beat that.”

St. Francis (11-4) returns to the pool Tuesday night against McClatchy.

SF – Charter 4, Oys, Reinl, Tambornini, Zanobini. RA – Baker2, Van Rees 2, Williams 2, McDougal.