SCCS fall in CIF title game

Cardinals turn focus to state playoffs

Santa Clarita Christian volleyball fell to Glendale Adventist in the CIF-Southern Section Division 9 volleyball finals on Friday, 3-1. Game scores were 13-25, 26-24, 18-25, 21-25.

“I thought for the most part we were pretty consistent in our play,” said SCCS coach Darcy Brown. “We came out attacking but we could have come out harder.”

In contrast, Glendale Adventist (225 overall) was very effective in attacking the SCCS defense when the team needed it most.

The Cardinals came out strong in Game 4 to take a 2-0 lead after outside hitter Aaronya Crosswhite’s kill.

SCCS pulled within 18-16 on a kill from outside hitter Kalona Marr, but the Cougars jumped to a commanding lead to seal the match point.

The Cardinals etched out a victory in Game 2 behind their hard hitters and strong defensive play. SCCS went up early 3-1 in the game, after Machado registered a score.

The Cougars clawed their way back, however, to tie the game 9-9 before taking their first lead. The Cardinals had to fight all the way to the end, but were able to seal the 26-24 win.

In Game 3, SCCS managed to take a 1210 lead despite some early mistakes, after Crosswhite scored on a kill. But the Cougars went on a 6-0 streak that helped secured Game 3.

Crosswhite had 16 kills to lead her team and also registered 12 digs. Machado had 13 kills and four digs.

SCCS’s focus now shifts to state playoffs, which start on Wednesday. The Cardinals’ opponent will be announced Sunday afternoon.