FAIR OAKS, Calif. – The celebration had to wait a week but it still was a special night for the nine St. Francis lacrosse seniors who played their final regular season game Friday night, defeating Bella Vista 18-5.

“Senior night meant a lot because this is four years wrapped up in a game,” said Erika Palmer. “Even though we started slow in the beginning, we finished out so strong. It made me so happy and proud of my team.”

St. Francis (8-9) trailed early in the contest 3-2 but scored the last five goals of the first half to lead 7-3. They broke it open in the second half.

The St. Francis senior ceremony scheduled last Friday was canceled after Casa Roble forfeited. But Bella Vista showed great sportsmanship in welcoming the Troubadour ceremony as part of their senior night. The St. Francis Booster Club traveled to the game to add to the atmosphere with a Booster Que.

“This was one of the best games ever,” said Megan Hoffeditz. “This game is always the one with the most energy and every scores. It was really fun.”

St. Francis got goals from 11 different players, including seven seniors. Mia Bonini, who is sidelined by a knee injury, made a ceremonial start during the opening draw before coming off the field.

Maggie Anderson had four goals to lead the team and Meg Anderson added three in the win. Junior Sarah Westover and freshman Jade Borg each scored twice and the Troubies got single goals by Juliette Vielhauer, Erika Palmer, Hannah Bailey, Kelly Chavez, Emily Bush, Megan Hoffeditz and Zoe Pearlman.

“I think the feeling is pure excitement,” said Co-Head Coach Julia Southard. “We had a lot of people scoring tonight. The energy was a little lackluster in the beginning. We are a little scattered but we came together after we were scored on a couple times to put together a really great team effort. It was really nice to go out this way and honor seniors for the dedication they have put in our program for the last four years.”

St. Francis has qualified for the Sacramento Valley Lacrosse League playoffs. Games start on Tuesday.

“Even is on the books they are better than us, if we play well I think we will be really happy with our season,” said Hoffeditz.

Game times will be announced as soon as they are available.

SF – Maggie Anderson 4, Meg Anderson 3, Westover 2, Borg 2, Vielhauer, Palmer, Bailey, Chavez, Bush, Hoffeditz, Pearlman.