STOCKTON, Calif. – St. Francis junior varsity bested three of Northern California's top programs before falling in straight sets to Saint Francis of Mountain View in the title match of the 15th Stockton Classic JV/Sophomores Classic Saturday at Bear Creek High School.

The Troubadours move to 18-1 for the year.

St. Francis swept Monte Vista by scores of 25-18, 27-25 in its opener, then took a split-set, 27-25, 20-25, 19-17 victory against Marin Catholic to conclude the morning pool play. The Troubies then battled past Archbishop Mitty, 26-24, 15-25, 16-14, in the tourney semifinal before falling to the Lancers by a 25-21, 25-15 final.

This is SF's best record in the Stockton Classic since 2019, then it swept Miramonte, Folsom, Vista Del Lago and Bishop O'Dowd. The Troubies did win the 2022 edition, suffering a three-set loss to Chico before working past Rocklin and Oak Ridge in the bracket play.

However, the 2023 field is arguably the toughest St. Francis has ever faced during this tourney. For reference, at the varsity level, Monte Vista has won North Coast Section Division I crowns in 2017 and 2021, Marin Catholic has captured the last three NCS D-II titles, while Archbishop Mitty and Saint Francis own a total of 23 state championships between them.

This is the second of three girls' Stockton Classic tournaments this fall. St. Francis frosh won its edition one week ago, while varsity heads to the 209 area code on October 7.

All three Troubie volleyball teams resume Delta League play at Cosumnes Oaks on Tuesday. Match times are 4:30 (frosh), 5:30 (JV) and 6:30 (varsity).