FOLSOM, Calif.  – The St. Francis cross country team placed their top five among the first 17 finishers to score 44 points to win the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 title and advance to the CIF State Championship. It is the sixth consecutive state appearance for the Troubadours, who have finished among the Top 10 in the each of the last five seasons.

“It is great and we went after that section title,” said Vandegrift. “I am so proud of our girls. It is a very good confidence booster before state. When we go out to the state meet, it gives us the confidence to go after that state title as well.”

Vandegrift, who was the top finisher for SF last season at the state meet, led the Troubadours on Saturday. She finished second overall in 18:32 behind individual winner Alexandra Beitia of Granite Bay (18:23).

“All of us felt a little bit off and it was hotter than normal,” said Vandegrift. “It should not be an excuse. We decided to sit on people and go after the placement because that is really what matters at sections today.”

St. Francis recorded the 92nd section title in school history and 10th by the cross country program. The Troubadours last won the section title in 2012. Overall, the school has won at least one section title in 26 consecutive seasons.

“This is a good feeling and I am really happy,” said Head Coach Aaron Rios. “Obviously our 1-2 did what they needed to despite Izzy being sick all week. Emma stepped up big time and we needed that from her and Sophie had a phenomenal race. When you have five girls going together, that is how you win section titles.”

Freshman Izzy Fauria was the second finisher for the Troubies, placing sixth overall in 18:54. Sophomore Sophie DeBenedetti was 11th overall in 19:33.

“Collectively we did not have our best race but we showed we can still place well,” said Vandegrift. “Girls really stepped up today. Emma really got outside and pushed herself on this course which is very tough for her. I am glad she overcame that. We are excited about winning the section title.”

Freshman Emma Hollenbach placed 15th overall in 19:53, helping the team with a 23-second personal-best on the course.

“It definitely felt really good,” said Hollenbach. “It was a really hard race and I worked hard. It felt good to do well today. I have raced here a lot and it is definitely hard.”

Rios credited Hollenbach with having a standout performance on Saturday.

“She overcame today,” said Rios “She has been doubting herself in races and training. She stepped up today. She performed outside what she thought she could do and it was a big deal for her to step up to her ability.”

St. Francis also got a scoring run by freshman Haley Silva, who was 17th overall in 20:14. Senior Allie Lourim placed 24th overall (20:34) and junior Alana Reyna was 31st (20:47).

St. Francis also got podium performances by the Frosh/Soph and Junior Varsity units. The Frosh/Soph team won the section with by placing three runners in the top 10 and cruising to a 44-point effort that won the meet by 18 points over Granite Bay. Sophomore Cassidy Lourim was the top finisher in fourth (14:08) with teammates Marie Pahos (5th, 14:11) and Noelle Lynch (6th, 14:23) right behind her at the line.

“It was a great race,” said Lourim. “We had four of us together for a good majority of the race. It always helps your confidence and your pace. In general, everyone had a pretty good race. We are happy with it and glad to get the title.”

The Junior Varsity team was third overall in the final race in a combined race between the five divisions. St. Francis was third with 78 points behind Davis and Vista del Lago. Teresa Lee was the top finisher, placing fourth overall.

“It was really hot today and it was a slow race but we worked together really well,” said Lee. “I worked really hard over the season and I think it paid off.”

St. Francis will race in the CIF State Championships on Saturday, November 26 in Clovis.

“We got better with the mental aspect of the race and learning how to race together,” said Rios. “We learned how to encourage each other. With the team so young, they had to learn to give 100 percent in races. Today they did that and it looks good going into state.”

Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 Cross Country Championships

Willow Hill Reservoir, Folsom, Calif.

Team standings: 1. St. Francis 44; 2. Granite Bay 77; 3. Vacaville 81; 4. Whitney 146; 5. Elk Grove 163; 6. Rocklin 176; 7. Merced 176; 8. Bella Vista 183; 9. Neva Union 189; 10. Vintage 215.

St. Francis results: 2. Sydney Vandegrift, 18:32.2; 6. Izzy Fauria, 18:54.4; 11. Sophie DeBenedetti, 19:33.6; 15. Emma Hollenbach, 19:53.3; 17. Haley Silva, 20:14.3; 24. Allie Lourim, 20:30.6; 31. Alana Reyna, 20:47.1.