The return of Riley Griffith to St. Al’s lineup was huge.

Griffith, the reigning Vicksburg Post Player of the Year, was back at Balzli Field Tuesday night for her first match in nearly a month. She responded with two goals and three assists to keep St. Al’s playoff hopes alive.

The blowout win, which was called after just 53 minutes, was St. Al’s first in division play after losses to powerhouses St. Andrew’s and Madison-St. Joseph. The Lady Flashes (11-5, 1-2) host Madison-St. Joe next Tuesday at Balzli Field in a must-win game.

Griffith did not play in either of the divisional losses and it had an effect, St. Al coach Suzie Channell said.

“We had some key players out when we played Madison-St. Joe the first time, but we still played a real good game against them and lost 2-0,” Channell said. “You could tell we got a big lift with Riley back.

“With her out, we just had to manage and patch things together.”

Griffith said she was hampered by a torn ankle, an injured quadriceps muscle and a broken leg from last spring.

“Hadn’t played in a month, but it was great to be back,” Griffith said

Griffith’s passes helped set up goals for Nicole Hayward, Sara Katherine McDaniel and Haylee Prescott.

Stephanie Riveros also scored off an assist by Prescott.