Calvary Christian

At a glance

Coach: Dion Weaver

Class: 3A, District 11

Last season: 24-6

Key players: UTIL Alexis Camilleri, So.; OF Payton Cushman, Jr.; SS Irianis Garcia, Jr.; C/3B Reagan Lavina, Jr.; C/1B Ava Planeta, Jr.; P/3B Morgen Talley, So. 

Schedule

Feb. 23 vs. Auburndale, 5

Feb. 28 vs. Steinbrenner, 6

Mar. 3 at Lake Howell, 6

Mar. 4 at Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley, 12

Mar. 7 vs. River Ridge, 6

Mar. 10 vs. Academy of the Holy Names, 6

Mar. 23 at Tampa Catholic, 6

Mar. 28 vs. Lakewood Ranch, 6

Mar. 31 at Plant, 2

Mar. 31 at Hernando, 6

Apr. 4 at Land O’ Lakes, 7

Apr. 6 at Mitchell, 7

Apr. 11 at Lakewood Ranch, 6

Apr. 14 at Auburndale, 6

Apr. 17 vs. Newsome, 6

Apr. 20 vs. Osceola, 6

Apr. 27 at Northeast, 7

Outlook

Everything came together for Calvary Christian last season. After years of putting together winning seasons and playoff appearances, the Warriors had a meteoric rise, culminating with their first state championship in school history. 

The title meant everything then. 

Now, it means nothing. 

This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world. Last year’s euphoria is history. One year after winning a state title, Calvary Christian has become a target. 

Still, despite the pressure of being a defending champion, the Warriors have enough to once again contend. 

The Warriors did lose some pitching depth. Mackenzie Bergstrom, who went 12-0 with a 1.53 ERA last season, graduated. And Malia Connelly transferred to Clearwater Central Catholic. 

That means Morgen Talley could end up handling the bulk of the pitching duties. 

She is more than capable of that task, especially after going 10-3 last season with 137 strikeouts in 90 ⅓ innings.  

At the plate, Talley is just as formidable. 

The slugger hit .464 last season with eight homers and 34 RBIs. She is among four returners who all hit above .300 last season. The others are Payton Cushman, Irianis Garcia and Alexis Camilleri. 

The schedule is loaded with games against Steinbrenner, Academy of the Holy Names, Hernando, Land O’ Lakes, Mitchell, Lakewood Ranch and Newsome. 

Those tough tests are needed once Calvary Christian reaches the postseason. After all, their region includes Academy of the Holy Names, Berkeley Prep, Fort Myers Bishop Verot, Lakeland McKeel Academy and Tampa Catholic. There could be a rematch with Hernando in the state final four if the Warriors advance.