SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Freshman Janae DeFazio scored the equalizer and senior goalkeeper Meredith Kaeser recorded 13 saves as St. Francis tied Elk Grove Monday afternoon in the first game following the Spring Break holiday.

“Today was a hard day and it was not our best day,” said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson. “Some of the simple things we had to work harder for and they had a great chance.”

The Thundering Herd (3-4-3) took the lead in the 40th minute on a goal by junior forward Toree Oliver.

“Meredith made her work for it and she tucked it away on the far post,” said Robinson. “She was 10 yards out and the goal gets big when you are 10 yards out. Had she put in anywhere else, Meredith would have been there.”

St. Francis (6-0-3) had to post a comeback in the second half to force the tie.

“We dug ourselves a little bit of hole in the first half,” said Robinson. “We made some adjustments in the second half and I was pleased with our effort in the second. That is more of the team that I am used to working with. The mentality adjustment in the second half was really great to see.”

Senior Hailey Barrett connected with Maddie Carnahan, who found Jane DeFazio to tie the game 12 minutes into the second half.

“It was all about urgency and being the spark plug for the team,” said Carnahan. “That is what I interpreted my role and subbing in off the bench. It was about keeping your head up, thinking on the go and I saw Janae open on the wide and all the space in the back.”

It was the third goal on the season for DaFazio.

“There were a few times before where it came through and I took a touch to far,” said DeFazio. “I kept making the run because it was open. When Maddie played it, I tried to keep my composure and finish it.”

Kaeser had a big game in goal, keeping the game tied over the final 30 minute and recording 13 saves for the game.

“She came up with some key saves for us,” said Robinson. “She has been rock solid for us. There was a time at the beginning of the season when she was the only one we had. She has not stopped. I have been so impressed with her. She has been given an opportunity and has been absolutely phenomenal in net for us.”

St. Francis travels to Sheldon on Wednesday to take on a Huskie team that won two of their first three league games.

SF – DeFazio. EG – Oliver.