FOLSOM, Calif. – The St. Francis varsity soccer team defeated Ponderosa on a second half goal by freshman Janae DaFazio Friday night to go 2-0 on the first day of the 2016 season at the Folsom Challenge Cup Friday.

“Ponderosa is a great team,” said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson. “They are physical, crafty on the ball and move the ball well. We got better today.”

St. Francis fell behind early when Ponderosa connected for a first-half goal. But sophomore Taylor Simpkins tied the score unassisted in the 18^th minute to record her first varsity goal.

“We knew we were down and taking hard hits,” said Simpkins, who had 10 goals and 11 assists last season on the JV team. “We needed to come back. Lindsey put her hand on my shoulder and said score. I went out there and scored. It was so fun. It was the highlight of my year.”

The score remained tied until DeFazio connected in the 50^th minute off an assist by Abby Padilla.

“We got behind and they were physical and pressed us,” said Robinson. “It took us a while to figure it out. It was a really good game. I am very pleased. This tournament was worthwhile right now. Tomorrow is icing on the cake. We have another good one with Folsom and it will be fun.”

St. Francis (2-0) won their opener against Vacaville in the first game of play in the Red Bracket.

“Vacaville was a tough game but we were able to crack it open early and the game changes,” said Robinson.

Senior Hailey Barrett scored twice in the first six minutes. The first came off a header from the wing by Bridget Foy to Padilla who passed to Barrett. Foy also assisted on the second with an entry pass to Barrett, who beat the goalkeeper inside the six-yard box.

 “It was very exciting,” said Barrett. “We started off with a bang. I scored both goals within the first 10 minutes. So it definitely was a good start to the season. With great team defense, we played well as a team.”

“It feels really good because we already connect as a family, sisterhood and a team,” said Simpkins. “It is amazing (because) we have had only one week of practices. It is really good.”

St. Francis takes on Folsom at 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Admission is $5 with a free soda or water. Students will a current student ID card and children under 13 will be admitted free.

SF – Barrett 2.

SF – Simpkins, DeFazio.