Cross Country Wins Second Straight Delta League Banner

Posted: Oct 27, 2018

FOLSOM, Calif. – A wrong turn could not keep the St. Francis cross country program from winning their second consecutive Delta League title Saturday at the Reservoir Hills course. The Troubadours placed six runners on the top 10 and all seven in the top 15 to score 29 points for the win.

"It feels really great," said senior Sophie DeBenedetti. "It is amazing to be out here with these amazing teammates and to put another title up in our gym."

St. Francis defeated Davis (40 points) to claim the fourth Delta League banner for the school this fall and the 20th cross country league title in school history.

The race featured a wrong turn directed by a race official that led to confusion in the field.

"All season this group has been consistent running against tough competition and placing well against the area's and nation's best," said Head Coach Aaron Rios. "It was nice to see them do that today."

The Troubadours kept their composure and finished strongly over the new course track.

"There were definitely some factors that were challenging for this race," said Isabella Fauria. "We were directed the wrong way (on the course) but we adapted to it and were still able to come out with the win."

Freshman Cate Joaquin was the first Troubadour across the line for St. Francis, finishing the 2.87 mile course in 17:45. Junior Isabella Fauria was second on the team and fifth overall in 17:59.

"Our goal was to rise despite the circumstances and still work together," said Joaquin.

The Troubies were able to communicate and adjust with the top group all up front.

"They adjusted well and it is something we talk about all week adjusting to difficult situations," said Rios. "They did well with it today."

Junior Haley Silva was sixth overall in 18:02 with freshman teammate Tatiana Cornejo seventh (18:09). Senior Sophie DeBenedetti crossed ninth overall in 18:28, while sophomore Hanna Hekkanen was 10th in 18:36.

The six Troubies in the top 10 all earned All-Delta League honors. DeBenedetti earned her fourth career all-league honor, while Silva, Hekkanen and Fauria earned the status for the second time in their careers. It was the first all-league nod for Cornejo.

"It gives us a lot of confidence knowing as a team we can work well together to hit our goal at state," said DeBenedetti.

Freshman Emily Castles placed 15th overall in 19:08. The Troubies will compete at the Sac-Joaquin Subsections next Saturday at Frogtown.

"We are going out there to win again and continue with this championship run," said Fauria.

St. Francis will qualify for the Section meet with a top 10 in the varsity race and top six on sub-varsity races next Saturday. They are currently ranked No. 4 in Division II by PrepCalTrack.com and are No. 1 in Northern California.

"We are feeling really good about it and we are excited about Subsections and state," said Joaquin.

Delta League Championships

Willow Hills Reservoir

Team Results

1. St. Francis 29; 2. Davis 40; 3. Cosumnes Oaks 71; 4. Franklin 135; 5. Elk Grove 151; 6. Sheldon 155; 190. Pleasant Grove 190.

St. Francis Individual Varsity Results (Top 7)

2. Cate Joaquin 17:45.4

5. Isabella Fauria 17:59.1

6. Haley Silva 18:02.0

7. Tatiana Cornejo 18:09.3

9. Sophie DeBenedetti 18:28.8

10. Hanna Hekkanen 18:36.7