ELK GROVE, Calif. – Three players scored in double figures and 11 scored overall as St. Francis posted a 71-51 victory over Pleasant Grove Friday night, tying the team's best offensive output of the season.
"We had a great two days of practice after the Elk Grove win," said Head Coach Heather Volek Brownholtz. "The energy has been high and the girls are positive. It was nice to bring that in the gym tonight."
St. Francis (11-14, 4-6 DL) started slow in falling behind 13-6 during the first quarter to the Eagles, who were celebrating their senior night. But the Troubadours went on 12-2 run to get back in the game, scoring 26 points in the quarter to take a 37-24 lead at the half.
"The offense was clicking because we talked well on defense," said Jorie Keitges, who had six points in the game. "The defense was creating offense."
Mia Fleming Mullins keyed the run by her aggressive attacking of the basket, getting to the line and hitting her charity shots. She made 10 of 11 from the line in the first half.
"We started the game slow and got behind," said Bagatelos. "Mia started attacking the basket, opening up the three point shot. We were making our three-point shots tonight which was really good. Mia really attacked and got to the line. She was making all her free throws and had to start helping on her, opening up the three point shots."
The Troubadours hit four three-pointers in the quarter by four different players including baskets Keitges, senior Nika Bagatelos, senior Lauren Pank and two by junior Jasmine Lee.
"It felt great because it felt like we were getting hot and going with the flow," said Keitges. "We have been clicking at practice and everyone has been supporting me. It really helps when people are there for you."
The Troubadours started cruising in the third quarter, posting a second consecutive 20-point tally. Lee hit her third of the game, while Keitges hit a second. Bagatelos finished the quarter with back-to-back threes, the third giving her 200 for her career.
"It means a lot," said Bagatelos of reaching the milestone. "I have been working on it my whole life."
She joined former Troubie Janae Fairbrook (209) as the only players in school history to reach the mark for career three-pointers.
The team closed out the game in the fourth, getting contributions from the entire team.
"They played together collectively," said Brownholtz. "We held the post tonight really well. They have a big post I was really worried about but between Ally, Maya and Mia they did a fantastic job."
Fleming-Mullins finished with a team-high 18 points and 10 rebounds for her ninth double-double of the season. Pank and Lee each scored 11 and Bagatelos has nine overall. Maya Curiale added seven boards for the team with Pank recording a team-best five assists and Keitges getting three steals. Pank also surpassed a milestone with her 300th career assist, the fourth player in school history to reach the mark.
St. Francis returns home on Tuesday for Senior Night against Sheldon. The team's seven seniors and senior manager will be recognized in a ceremony immediately following the junior varsity game.
