On a cool Wednesday evening under the Palomares League lights, the Ayala Bulldogs delivered a commanding 26-6 win over the Claremont Wolfpack. Led by quarterback Natalya Cavenee and a relentless defensive effort from Chloe Cotter, the Bulldogs controlled the tempo from start to finish to improve to 3-2 in league play (14-12 overall). Claremont dropped to 2-3 in league play and 9-5 overall.

First Quarter – Bulldogs Ignite Early, Wolfpack Answer in Style

The Bulldogs wasted no time asserting themselves on offense. Cavenee came out sharp, connecting with Chloe Cotter and Eileen Diaz on consecutive completions before capping the opening drive with a 6-yard touchdown strike to Diaz. Jayda Marquez added the extra point for a quick 7-0 Ayala lead.

The Wolfpack responded with poise. Quarterback Scarlett Sanders led Claremont downfield, completing passes to Zenani Guannu for 25 and 10 yards while Laila Pacheco weaved through defenders for key yardage. The opening quarter closed with both teams trading blows in what was shaping up to be a back-and-forth contest.

Second Quarter – Guannu’s Leap Brings the Wolfpack Back

Ayala’s defense delivered the first big break of the second quarter when Amaryn Silva broke up a crucial fourth-down pass near the red zone. The Bulldogs quickly capitalized as Cavenee found Diaz streaking down the sideline for a 40-yard gain. Moments later, Mariska Csupak punched in a touchdown run to extend the lead to 14-0.

Claremont refused to fold. Sanders mounted a late drive and, with under a minute left in the half, connected with Fiona Bulmer on a 60-yard bomb to set up a dramatic finish. With 20 seconds remaining, Sanders lofted a pass into the end zone, where Guannu leapt over two defenders for a highlight-reel touchdown that trimmed the deficit to 14-6 at halftime.

Second Half – Ayala’s Defense Seals It

The Wolfpack carried momentum into the third quarter, but Ayala’s defense shut the door. Marina Ortega intercepted a pass deep in Claremont territory, setting up the Bulldogs in scoring position. Though the Wolfpack defense held firm on that possession, Ayala’s next defensive stand would prove decisive.

Midway through the third, Cotter jumped a route for her second interception of the night and returned it 20 yards for a pick-six, igniting the Bulldogs’ sideline and stretching the lead to 20-6.

Moments later, Eileen Diaz snagged an interception of her own and returned it 10 yards to set up another Csupak touchdown, her second of the game, pushing Ayala ahead 26-6. Cotter sealed the win with her third interception, punctuating a brilliant all-around defensive performance.

Looking Ahead

The Bulldogs (3-2 Palomares League, 14-12 overall) will host Glendora on Tuesday, October 14, at 6:45 p.m. The Wolfpack (2-3, 9-5) will look to rebound when they host Bonita the same evening at 6:00 p.m.

Game Photos

Photos taken by Rico’s Sports Pix