Water Polo in Section Final after 9-6 Win over Woodcreek

Posted: Nov 07, 2018

LODI, Calif. – The third-seeded St. Francis water polo team posted a 9-6 win over No. 2 Woodcreek to advance to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I final on Saturday.

"We overcame the adversity of the calls and working together," said Head Coach Heather Moody. "We stayed the course and focused on our team defense, which was our main goal today. Overall, we played with confidence."

St. Francis (16-11) took control of the game in the second quarter and never relinquished the lead the rest of the contest.

"We knew what was at stake and we did not want it to be our last game," said sophomore Libby Slater. "We were building off each other and were really positive."

Woodcreek (22-6) scored the first goal of the game for their only lead. Slater scored 23 seconds later to tie the game at 1. In the second quarter, junior Kendall Houck, senior Malia Arnott and junior Caroline Wilkins scored to push the lead to 4-1. The Timberwolves added a goal with 2:30 for the 4-2 halftime score.

"I feel like the last time we played them we never gained control," said Slater. "Getting control gave us momentum for all four quarters. We pulled out with the win. It was really helpful."

St. Francis pushed the lead to 6-2 with goals by Zoe Sloat and Slater before Woodcreek scored two to cut the lead to 6-4.

"It came down to the girl's desire to be in the championship game and their motivation for the season," said Moody.

Woodcreek scored again to open the fourth quarter to pull within 6-5 but Houck and Slater scored to clinch the win. SF added a late empty cage goal.

"It is a really good feeling to get all the way," said Slater. "We have worked hard all season. Getting there was our whole goal."

Slater finished with three goals to lead the team. Wilkins had a goal and three assists and Houck added two goals and three steals.

"We feel good," said Houck. "We stepped up and played our game. We did amazing and had confidence in ourselves."

The defensive effort helped the Troubadours advance to the final for the second consecutive season.

"Our defense really stepped up in the game," said Sloat. We communicated really well, played together and played good team defense."

Goalie Kate Watley had seven saves in the contest for the Troubies.

Overall St. Francis and Davis have met 14 times in the Sac-Joaquin Section finals since 2004.

"They are super deep and fast," said Moody of the top-seeded Blue Devils. "We have to be ready to go and take control in the perimeter."

The teams will meet at 4 p.m. at the Roseville Aquatic Center on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.