Seneca Valley girls benefit from healthy lineup
Seneca Valley's girls basketball team finally has its full roster healthy — and just in time for the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs.
The Raiders drew Bethel Park, a team which beat Seneca Valley, 48-30, on Dec. 23.
However, the Raiders put the focus on themselves for the second matchup.
“These girls had plans all summer that they were going to win the section and be the first girls basketball team do it for Seneca Valley since 1977, but then we had all the injuries,” coach Rob Lombardo said.
“One thing no coach in America can control is injuries. It's great to be back to full strength and everyone in their uniforms and able to practice and play.”
Senior point guard Cristina Dunning missed the first 12 games and senior forward Lexus Lambert was out for nearly two weeks.
Those were two big missing pieces for the Raiders.
“They're getting more acclimated to game speed,” Lombardo said. “All the girls are really focused. I really like the focus they have.”
Seneca Valley prepared for the playoffs with a 73-45 victory over Penn-Trafford.
“They beat us by two at the buzzer in the playoffs last year, so it was nice to get a little bit of redemption,” Lombardo said.
“Penn-Trafford won the title two years ago and got to the quarterfinals last year. It was nice to play a program that's been there and where we want to go. The girls wanted to use that game as a springboard for a run of their own.”
The Penn-Trafford victory came after the Raiders rebounded from defeats to Pine-Richland (48-42) and North Allegheny (62-37).
They came out and cruised past Butler, 64-18, to wrap up fourth place in Section 3.
“They really executed defensively against Butler. I think it pretty much showed them what they are capable of,” Lombardo said. “Even though we didn't win the section, the girls believe that won't stop them from getting where we want to go.”
Lombardo has been impressed with the team's chemistry all season.
“They are having fun. This group of girls really likes each other and that makes it really fun to watch.
“After every game, I give a game ball out and it's not always to the leading scorer or rebounder, but to someone who has changed the game,” he said.
“Twice this year, we've given a game ball to every girl on the bench. It's amazing to hear the cheering and fun they are yelling out at their teammates.
“As a coach you want to see the kids win, but you want to see them have fun. That's what this group is doing.”
The victory over Penn-Trafford gave the Raiders' seniors 47 wins for their careers.
“These seniors have been winningest class at Seneca Valley in a long time,” Lombardo said. “There hasn't been a group that's made three straight playoff appearances in a long time either.”
Joe Sager is a freelance writer.
