MADISON, Wisc. - The San Diego Surfers headed to Madison for the USA Rugby Club 7s National Championships this weekend. With five national championships already to their name, the Surfers were hoping build on one of the most successful legacies in women's club rugby as they chased another national title. 

The team advanced to the Bronze Medal match, then lost to the Chicago North Stars on Sunday afternoon, 14-5.

Since 2009, the San Diego Surfers have consistently ranked among the nation's top 10 programs. After capturing the Southern California regional title through a summer 7s circuit, the Surfers made their way to 7s nationals in Wisconsin this weekend.

The two captains shared what playing in this tournament means to them. “Playing in this tournament is a huge opportunity for our team,” said Kayla Walker. “It gives us a platform to show off our incredible new talent and see where we stack up against high-level competition.”

In her second year captaining the surfers, Ashley Torrecillas opened up about her goals this season. "My focus has been on team culture and player welfare. This journey has reinforced for me the importance of team chemistry and trust, figuring out how to meld the team quickly in a short amount of time.”

Walker expected her team to face "the absolute best of the best" at Nationals. Torrecillas agreed, noting that the tournament features the top 16 women's and men's teams in the country and saying she expects "nothing short of the highest quality competition each region has to offer." Torrecillas also highlighted several teammates she was excited to watch, including Lilly Thomas, Mia Taylor, Pearl Ng, Kendall Smith, Jayna Schalesky, and Bella Abelman.