FOLSOM, Calif. – St. Francis defeated host Folsom 4-0 to improve to 3-0 on the season and win the Folsom Challenge Cup title.

Senior Erin Barr put the Troubadours ahead in the fourth minute with an early strike off an assist by freshman Janae DeFazio, who had two assists in the game.

“It was a great goal and assist by Janae,” said Barr. “It was a great start and helped the team build momentum.”

Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson was happy with the early advantage.

“It is a confidence builder,” said Robinson. “It was a technical piece we practice so I was glad to see there is some practical application from training that carried forward to the game. It was a classic finish. Erin was very savvy and tucked it inside the post.”

It was all SF needed as senior goalie Meredith Kaeser posted a shutout in goal.

“It is very important to get the first goal because it sets the tone for the whole team,” said Kaeser. “It makes everyone’s spirits go up.”

Kaeser credited the defense for holding Folsom scoreless.

“The defense stepped up so well,” said Kaeser. “Everyone was working together and talking. We worked as a team.”

St. Francis scored three times in the second half to secure the win. Senior Hailey Barrett connected five minutes into the second half off a pass from DeFazio. Taylor Simpkins scored off a free kick from 30 yards out two minutes later. Junior Savannah Tijerino-Santos scored her first varsity goal in the 61st minute. Barrett assisted on the goal on a setup by Ashley Newland.

Senior Hailey Barrett and freshman Janae DeFazio were named to the Challenge Cup All-Tournament team.

“They are so rock solid,” said Robinson. “Defensively, their work rate is fantastic and they help us maintain possession. If we get in a tight spot, they get us out consistently. On the attack, they are both involved going forward. They are great team players.”

­St. Francis won its season opening tournament for the third straight season after winning the Cal Spring Classic each of the last two seasons.

“It was definitely exciting because it was the first win we have had all together,” said Kaeser. “It was really fun.”

St. Francis plays at Rio Americano on Tuesday before hosting Christian Brothers on Thursday for Holy Goals. The game will be broadcast on TroubieTV.

“It is encouragement for the rest of the season and a great way to start especially with a lot of new girls coming out,” said Barr.

The freshmen team won the Cal Spring Classic JV Tournament title with a perfect record while out-scoring their opponents 24-0. They defeated American Canyon in the final 5-0. The JV team finished fourth in the B Bracket after losing to Pioneer 1-0. They qualified for the final with a 2-1 pool play record but lost a goal tiebreaker.

SF – Barr, Barrett, Simpkins, Tijerino-Santos.