This is the third season of women's flag soccer in California and the athletes and teams are getting better and better, raising expectations for the Southern Section Division I semifinals on Saturday. Undefeated Jay Serra plays at Dos Pueblos while defending champion Orange Lutheran hosts Huntington Beach.
Dos Pueblos (24-2) faces its toughest challenge yet as it tries to defeat a 26-0 JSerra team that has two wins over second-seeded Orange Lutheran. Good news for Dos Pueblos is that it has already been proven he can compete with the best, as he led Orange Lutheran to overtime before losing earlier in the season.
“We can definitely say we've met the summit,” Dos Pueblos coach Doug Caines said. “They have crazy athletic girls.”
Dos Pueblos will have to avoid turnovers by relying on cornerback Casey Hurley to stay away from interceptions. She has 4,603 passing yards and 84 touchdowns. Brooklyn Hendricks is the team's standout wide receiver.
Another semifinal matchup involving Orange County teams will determine whether Orange Lutheran can repeat as champions behind quarterback Makena Cook. Huntington Beach is 25-1. The Oilers' only loss was to Newport Harbor. Roxy Shaya has made an impact at quarterback and defense.
The winners will advance to the finals next weekend at Fred Kelly Stadium next to El Modena School.
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