Santa Clarita Christian School girls basketball coach Dennis Schwesinger has grown accustomed to having just a handful of practices before the team’s season opener.
The Cardinals’ volleyball team, which fields a portion of the basketball team as well, is a perennial CIF contender, causing the seasons to bleed into one another.
Despite just four practices together, SCCS looked in sync Thursday against Santa Clarita Valley International Charter, cruising to a 46-4 win at SCCS.
“It was good to just get some actual game experience,” Schwesinger said. “We know how talented our volleyball team is, so we kind of just assume at this point that they’re going to make a run, and we’re very proud of them.”
The Cardinals held SCVi (0-1) scoreless until midway through the fourth quarter, when a layup from Giovanna Lorenzo broke up the shutout. SCCS entered the final quarter with a 44-0 lead.
Aaronya Crosswhite, the Cardinals’ only returning starter had 10 points with freshman Gianna Delletier adding a team-high 16 points.
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SCCS (1-0) doesn’t have a senior on this year’s roster, though they’re up to 11 players after having seven last season. Chloe Lehman is the only other returner who was in the Cardinals’ rotation last season. They also lost Kaleigh Moss, who transferred to Hart.
“These preleague games are going to be important so we can build that chemistry together,” Schwesinger said. “This is the youngest team I’ve had in my four years, so I’m interested to see them grow together.”
Cassie Fawsi and Emily Bernards each had six points on the night. Lorenzo had three of SCVi’s points, with Adriana Vidal adding the other.
SCCS will continue its season next Monday against Archer School for Girls in the Milken Community Classic. It’s the first tournament the Cardinals have played in during Schwesinger’s tenure.
“That’s going to be a great experience for them, plus it’ll be huge to play a bunch of games all at once,” he said. “We’ll know a lot more about the structure of our team after that.”
SCCS was the Heritage League runner-up last season to Faith Baptist, losing to Linfield Christian in the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 quarterfinals. It will be moving up to Division 5 this season, according to Schwesinger.
