SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Eight players scored as the St. Francis lacrosse team posted an 18-3 win over Justin-Siena Saturday in its home opener at Mather Sports Complex.

"We have definitely got better each game so we are looking forward to the rest of the season," said senior Judy Cates of the 3-0 team. "We want to continue working as a team and progressing."

Cates had three goals and two assists among four players with three or more goals in the contest. Junior Sophia Gorona scored four goals and added two assists and recorded nine draw controls to lead the offensive attack.

Junior Maggie Price, who joined the team Saturday after playing with the soccer team in playoffs, scored four goals in her return.

"I love soccer but it is the best feeling in the world to be out here with my family," said Price. "I could not be happier. It put the biggest smile on my face to be able to contribute and help out."

Senior Grace Barger, who also came over from the soccer team, also scored four goals and had an assist in her first game.

St. Francis built a 13-1 lead in the first half with Gorona, Price, Barger and Cates scoring in succession for a 4-0 lead over the first five minutes. The Troubies kept the pressure on all half with as seven players notched draw controls in the game. Ali Nickum made five saves in the cage.

"We really worked all together and after we got a bunch of goals it was about who can we find next," said Price. "We are always looking out for each other."

Senior Allie Belafsky, freshman Abby Gillum, junior Sophia Bailey and sophomore Zahra Smith also added goal in the win.

St. Francis was coming off an 16-4 win over Del Oro on Friday night as Gorona had seven goals to lead the winning effort.

The Troubies will be next on the field at Vita del Lago on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m.

"There are always things to look forward to and work on," said Cates. "We are going to keep working hard to make sure we don't slow up."

JV will start the night at 5:30 p.m.