SACRAMENTO, Calif. – After meeting in the Sac-Joaquin Section finals each of the last two years, one school was going to miss the final in 2014 as No. 4 seed St. Francis and No. 5 seed Granite Bay squared off Thursday night. The Troubadours prevailed with a 25-23, 25-17, 25-21 win at St. Francis.

“It is really exciting,” said senior Kylie Green. “I am really proud of what we have done this month and throughout the season. I am excited for our next game.”

St. Francis will advance to the semifinals next Tuesday night against No. 1 seed Pitman, who prevailed in five sets over No. 8 seed St. Mary’s Thursday night. St. Francis will travel to play in Turlock on Tuesday night.

St. Francis trailed in the first set by as many as five points and looked a little rattled against the defending state and section champions.

“They were nervous and Granite Bay came out playing very well like they had nothing to lose,” said Head Coach Alynn Wright. We played on our heels. Once they settled down, I was really proud of how they battled and took control.”

Senior Kyle Green said the first set did not go as planned.

“I was really scared. I kept thinking that, ‘This could be my last game’, said Green. “My teammates pulled through and it was a lot more relaxing.”

The Troubadours (30-11) closed out the first set 25-23 with a late rally and then won the second 25-17.

“Granite Bay played very well,” said Wright. “I was impressed with Emily DeMure. She set the ball very well.”

St. Francis expects a tough game on Tuesday against No. 1 seed Pitman (39-1)

“We expect some really good volleyball and it is going to be a tough game,” said Green. “We have to play our hardest. I know we can do it.”

DIVISION I
Quarterfinals/Thursday
Pitman 3, St. Mary’s 2
St. Francis 3, Granite Bay 0
Oak Ridge 3, Davis Sr. 0
Pleasant Grove 3, Lincoln-S 2
Semifinals/Tuesday
#4 St. Francis at #1 Pitman
#3 Oak Ridge at #2 Pleasant Grove