ROCKLIN, Calif. - The St. Francis soccer team posted a 7-0 shutout over Laguna Creek Friday afternoon to improve to 1-0-1 in the Rocklin Invitational. Seven Troubadours scored in the game with six others assisting on goals.
"We got goals from a variety of people," said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson. "It was one of our focuses in training this week. How could be connect and be more seamless particularly in our midfield and attacking layers? It was nice to break open the floodgates and get some chances."
Junior Emily Billena opened the scoring in the seventh minute, connecting on a cross from senior Elise Urkov. Then senior A.J. Tanner pushed the lead to 2-0 on an assist by senior Lindsey Porter and junior Taylor Earle scored with an assist by junior Emily Piatanesi in the 13th and 15th minutes. Junior Hannah Brady scored her first varsity goal right before the half off an assist by goalie Kim Riley.
"It was really important that seven different people got goals," said Earle. "It was not just one or two people but everyone contributed."
In the second half, junior Marli Berry (Janae DeFazio), sophomore Marcela Ferrero Pretto (Arianna Spence) and junior Lillian Hayes (Brady) added goals as the Troubadours shut out the Cardinals behind goalies Riley and Gigi Koerwitz.
"It felt really good," said Hayes of her first career goal. "I was coming off an injury and it was good to get that momentum back for high school. I have not played since freshman year so to represent St. Francis again felt good."
St. Francis opened the tournament with a 1-1 tie with Whitney Friday morning. With two games on Saturday, the Troubies are looking forward to the game experience the four-game tournament provides.
"We have had not a lot of practices," said Earle. "We have had maybe five practices since the beginning of the season. Having some games to play before league to get back into the high school mindset, it is important for us."
SF will play Christian Brothers Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. for the second time this week. The teams tied 0-0 in the Holy Cup matchup on Monday.
"I think we are looking to get revenge against CB," said Hayes. "We did not show as well as we could have. I think tomorrow we have good momentum coming off this game and I think we will perform well."
St. Francis 7, Laguna Creek 0
SF – Billena, Tanner, Earle, Brady, Verry, Pretto, Hayes.
