ROSEVILLE, Calif. – Junior Mia Fleming-Mullins had a career-high 26 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, but the St. Francis basketball team fell to St. Ignatius 61-55 in the opening round of the Roseville Elite Showcase Thursday night.

"We have been focusing on this team having passion," said Head Coach Heather Volek Brownholtz. "They all have to believe in one another and fight for each other. Playing a top team like St. Ignatius that has been in the Open Division State Championship, I am extremely proud of the girls for stepping up and competing with them this early in our season."

St. Francis (2-2) stayed close throughout the game to the Wildcats, who are ranked among the state's top 25 according to MaxPreps. Trailing by 10 entering the fourth quarter, Fleming-Mullins led the charge in the final period, notching 14 points. She added eight rebounds.

"With our size differential right now, we have been asking Mia to get inside because we have such good outside shooting," said Volek Brownholtz. "She listened, was open to the coaching and look at the success she had tonight."

It was her third double-digit scoring game of the season and seventh overall in her career, eclipsing her single game high of 18 points set against Antelope last season.

"I think we did pretty good," said Fleming-Mullins. "I think we played a lot better as a team and we were all supporting each other. My last couple games, I have not been driving as much. I went out to have fun and do my best."

Senior Nika Bagatelos tallied 12 in the loss with two first-half three-pointers and three second-half baskets. Senior Megan Austin added seven points.

St. Francis plays Inderkum Friday night at 5 p.m. in the consolation bracket at Roseville High School.

St. Ignatius 61, St. Francis 55

SI – Ennis 19, Harvey 14, Newsome 8, Ma 7, Jones 4, McAdams 3. SF – Fleming-Mullins 26, Bagatelos 12, Austin 7, Lee 4, Keitges 3, Lopez 2, Le 1.