The Cardinal Newman Cardinals flag football team couldn't have scripted a better start to their season. In front of their home fans at Ed Lloyd Field, the Cardinals delivered a statement victory, rolling past cross-town rival Santa Rosa 84–0 in a dominant all-around performance.
Senior quarterback Juliet Diehl set the tone from the opening snap and never looked back. Diehl accounted for nine total touchdowns — seven through the air and two on the ground — while also contributing defensively with an interception.
On offense, Diehl spread the ball around to a deep group of playmakers.
- Clover Chavez, sophomore WR/DB, hauled in an 11-yard TD reception.
- Molly Friedman, sophomore WR/DB, scored on a 29-yard TD catch and later returned an interception 24 yards for another touchdown.
- Nicole DiMarco, senior WR/DB, grabbed two scores through the air (10 and 17 yards) while adding an interception on defense.
- Gianna Teldeschi, senior DB/WR, showcased her two-way skills with a 19-yard touchdown catch and two interceptions.
- Makenna Homan, senior DB/WR, returned an interception 32 yards for a score.
- Mae Trione, junior RB/LB, powered her way to a 22-yard rushing touchdown and 60 yards on the ground.
- Hannah Maida, senior RB/LB, added 70 rushing yards and a 6-yard touchdown run.
- Ruby Saunders, sophomore DB/WR, capped the defensive dominance with a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The Cardinals' defense was suffocating from start to finish, forcing 11 interceptions on the day, three of which were returned for touchdowns. Leading the way was sophomore Lynnea Fields, who picked off Santa Rosa three times. Senior Emma Hamblin also added an interception to the defensive tally.
With explosive offense, relentless defense, and contributions from every level of the roster, Cardinal Newman showed they will be a force to reckon with this season.
The Cardinals (1–0) now look to build on the momentum as they continue their 2025 campaign.
The Cardinals travel across town to take on Carrillo on Monday in Rincon Valley.
