Hayden Shanafelt | Sports Editor
October 18, 2025
On Tuesday, October 14, the Girls Flag Football team ended their season with a 38 to 25 win over Tesoro. Not only was it the team’s last league game of the season, but also a night to honor their five amazing seniors.
This was a heated match between the Tritons (ranked 31st) and the Titans (ranked 27th). The Tritons managed to pull out their second win against Tesoro after beating them 20-7 earlier in the season back in September, making their league record 5-3 and pushing them onto the CIF playoffs in Division 2. The girls flag football program at San Clemente was officially established last year and has already accomplished so many incredible things. Last season, the team had a deep run in CIF, making it all the way to the finals and becoming LA Rams TOC Champions, producing key players like Gigi Nacelli and Grace Bunker who received league accolades for their performance over the season. These players continue to play key roles in the teams dynamic with sophomore wide receiver Gigi Nacelli averaging 114.3 receiving yards per game and senior wide receiver and running back Grace Bunker totaling 13 touchdowns this season.
A pivotal player, senior Quincy Connors, talked about how their game against Tesoro was the highlight of her season. She described the Triton’s defense as “on point and a crucial part of their win.” Tesoro being their biggest league competitor, this game was a necessary win to place 2nd in league and to move forward to the post season playoffs. During the game, sophomore Cat Sarasua got 2 pick sixes and Quincy Connors got 2 picks, topping off her season record of 11 total. These were critical plays that ultimately established the Triton’s 13 point lead over Tesoro.
Other standout players, like senior Lacey Lou Haggar, have been instrumental this season. She described how, “CIF is gonna be a competitive battle, every game has been neck and neck but [her] goal is to make it to the finals again.” She attributes much of the team’s success to the deep connections her teammates have made. She talked about how “bonding has been such an important part of this program.” Since the majority of the team is made up of sophomores, it’s been vital to their team dynamic.
With their eyes set on the post-season playoffs, they continue to rise to the occasion and push towards their goal of winning a CIF championship.
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