Palo Alto High's girls flag football team lost 33-13 to Santa Clara on Monday, Sept. 28, before falling again at Milpitas two days later, extending its losing streak to three games.

The Vikings trailed 20-13 at halftime. One touchdown separated the teams. But Paly never scored again, as Viking Magazine reported, and Santa Clara added 13 second-half points to pull away.

The second-half shutout followed a similar pattern from Paly's league opener five days earlier. As we reported Sept. 24, the Vikings were tied 13-13 with Los Altos near halftime before the Eagles scored 26 unanswered points in a 39-13 win.

Senior Zoe Quintana said the team needs better defensive communication and quicker adjustments to opposing offenses.

Quintana said the team's chemistry has improved through the season despite an influx of new players. She credited team dinners and games at practice with helping the group gel.

Paly's struggles continued Wednesday, Sept. 30, with a 47-6 loss at Milpitas, according to MaxPreps. The loss dropped the Vikings to 5-6 overall and 0-3 in the SCVAL De Anza Division.

Milpitas improved to 15-3 overall and 3-0 in league play with the win. The Trojans have outscored opponents 450-87 this season, according to MaxPreps.

Paly has seven league games remaining, including second meetings with each De Anza Division opponent.