February 11, 2025

The 32nd annual Fortuna Bowl at California Baptist University brought thrilling flag football, community celebration and campus spirit on Nov. 16. Held on the front lawn during Parent and Family Weekend, the championship games featured the Twinkle Toesies and Twinkle Toes teams securing victories in the women’s and men’s brackets, respectively, adding their names to CBU intramural history. 

The evening began with a patriotic display. Zsa Zsa Mueller sang the national anthem as the CBU ROTC presented the colors. After a prayer, CBU’s airplane delivered a flyover. The energy carried into two competitive games that highlighted athleticism, teamwork and perseverance. 

In the women’s championship, the undefeated Twinkle Toesies faced the Yellow Jackets in a high-energy matchup. The Twinkle Toesies won 12-7, completing a perfect 7-0 season. 

Linebacker Trinity Woll dominated the game, scoring three touchdowns, including a second-half run where she evaded seven defenders. With two minutes left, Woll secured a critical first down, sealing the victory. 

The Yellow Jackets, led by Emma Blake, junior liberal studies major, put up a strong fight. 

“I’ve played intramurals before—volleyball and basketball—but this was my first time playing flag football!” Blake said. “CBU does an amazing job making it a fun environment. I love how intramurals bring people together and give you the opportunity to make new friends.”

Despite a second-half touchdown that cut the lead to one, penalties and the Twinkle Toesies’ defense prevented the Yellow Jackets from overcoming the deficit. Fans erupted as the final whistle secured the championship for the Twinkle Toesies.

Team captain Arden Leeman, senior journalism and new media major, reflected on the win after last year’s loss.

“It feels so nice because we played last year, and it’s so nice to finally get a win,” Leeman said. “This team has been amazing, and it’s been so fun to learn and play with them. I’m just so proud of this team and how much effort they put in. Roll Toesies!”

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, presented the Fortuna trophy to the champions, with Woll earning MVP honors for her performance.

The men’s championship between the Twinkle Toes and Ring by Spring was just as intense. In a back-and-forth game, the Twinkle Toes clinched a 14-13 victory in the final two minutes.

Wide receiver Major Murdoch, junior biomedical engineering major, played a key role in the win.

“It feels amazing. I feel very accomplished. We lost last year, and it sucked, but we got to redeem ourselves this year. It’s a huge honor. I love leading the team; I love playing,” Murdoch said.

Fans roared as both teams fought hard in the final moments. The Twinkle Toes’ defense held strong, sparking celebrations as the clock ran out.

The Fortuna Bowl was more than a competition. It showcased CBU’s spirit and community. Halftime performances by CBU’s national champion cheer and dance teams energized the crowd, and fireworks lit up the Riverside sky as players, students and families celebrated Parent and Family Weekend.

For the Twinkle Toesies and Twinkle Toes, it was a night of redemption and triumph. For everyone in attendance, it was a celebration of the camaraderie that defines the CBU family.

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