Uni girls flag football team captures victory over Beckman in season opener

University players at the LA Chargers/Nike Showcase this summer with head coach Jeff Marchiorlatti (left) and assistant Jake DeLozier (right). (Photo courtesy Dana Anderson).

University High School’s girls flag football team opened the season Thursday night with an 18-12 victory over Beckman.

“Last season we lost to them twice and they are a very good squad,” said University’s first year head coach Jeff Marchiorlatti.

The Trojans had a strong defensive performance with six interceptions and 27 flag pulls (tackles).

Senior captain Carmen Cruz was the MVP of the game with a receiving touchdown, an interception and seven flag pulls. Cruz has been a four-year player for the Trojans.

“Arden Marchiorlatti (a sophomore) changed the momentum of the game with an interception, pick six scoring from 60 plus yards. She also had five flag pulls and three receptions,” the coach said. “Charlotte Beckmann also had a great performance with three receptions, two interceptions and five flag pulls.”

University also competed in the LA Chargers/Nike Showcase this summer, going 3-1.

“Last year we went 15-10,” Marchiorlatti said. “We are a young team with only one senior starter but our hope for the season is simple: compete for a PCL championship. Northwood returns a solid team and the PCL has added Rosary but we will compete.”

Other players who are expected to lead the Trojans are Arden Marchiorlatti, who was on the USA Flag Football West Coast and National Championship last year. She will be a wide receiver and safety on defense

Team captain Elyse Mills, a junior who was also part of the championship team, will play running back and safety on defense, is another key player.

Other top players are junior Carson Cruz, another team captain, who will be the quarterback; Beckmann, a junior, who replaces the graduated Leah Schulman at center; junior Nada Morad, who will play wide receiver and cornerback and is one of the team’s top defenders, according to the coach; sophomores Natalia Anania; and Hana Miura and freshmen Chloe Cho and Ella Anderson.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com