University players top row left to right: Scarlett Cambreros, Chloe Malik, Q Shen, Carissa Gonzales, Leighton Lee, Bella Jaimes, Callie Rochholz, Ella Carmichael, Ella Anderson and Arden Marchiorlatti. Bottom row Rebecca Lee, Sol Blanco, Sophia Stouffer, Selin Haytoglu, Natalia Anania and Ellie Twardos. (Photo University athletics).
University’s girls flag football team began practice this week in preparation for the season opener vs. Tesoro on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Uni.
The varsity game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
University was 10-14 overall last season and earned fourth place in the Pacific Coast League and a trip to the CIF playoffs with a 7-8 record.
Tesoro was 16-10 overall and 4-4 in league play to earn a CIF playoff berth.
“It’s a tough journey ahead and we’re young, but this squad has high expectations,” said Trojans Coach Jeff Marchiorlatti. “They’ve bought into focus, sacrifice, and grit since day one of summer camp. I couldn’t be more excited to coach this group and I have the best coaching staff in the business helping.”
The Trojans are led by senior Arden Marchiorlatti, a wide receiver/safety who is a returning captain. She is the daughter of Coach Marchiorlatti.
“Arden is one of the most productive two-way players in Orange County flag football, and her resume backs it up,” the coach said.
Arden Marchiorlatti was first team all-PCL last season and had 180 tackles, 13th nationally and seventh in the CIF Southern Section, according to the coach. She also had 1,803 receiving yards, which was 48th nationally and 17th in CIF.
“She plans to play Division 1 flag football in college next year — part of the first wave of players riding the sport’s explosion into the NCAA ahead of the 2028 Olympics. She’s also a lacrosse player and a multi-year captain for us,” Coach Marchiorlatti said.
Other top players are sophomore quarterback Bella Jaimes who has a “live arm and poise beyond her years,” the coach said.
Sophomore Callie Rochholz is an all-purpose athlete “who can line up anywhere on the field,” the coach said.
“Chloe Malik is a sophomore stud ready for a breakout season,” the coach said. “Natalia Anania, Selin Haytoglu and Sophia Stouffer {are part of} a senior class that sets the tone.”
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