Emily Stabilito is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Christian Academy for AZPreps365.com.

PARADISE VALLEY – A small roster and lingering injuries didn’t stop Scottsdale Christian Academy’s swim team from posting personal bests and relay milestones in Tuesday’s meet against Notre Dame Prep, Phoenix Christian Prep and Phoenix Country Day School. 

Phoenix Country Day School won the girls’ side with 54 points, followed by Notre Dame Prep (33), Phoenix Christian Prep (7) and Scottsdale Christian (2). On the boys’ side, NDP took first with 52 points, followed by PCDS (41), PCP (2) and SCA (1).

SCA competed with just seven swimmers – compared to Notre Dame’s 29 and PCDS’s 30 – but still came away with personal bests, relay milestones, and standout performances.

Sophomore Xander Alcala and junior Grant Belter each set personal bests in the boys 50-yard freestyle. Belter celebrated a milestone by breaking the 30-second barrier for the first time, touching the wall in 29.99 after a 31.91 in his previous meet.

“Grant did so awesome – I was so happy for him,” SCA coach Sarah Eaves said. "This is only Grant and Xander’s second year on the team and in swimming in general. They don’t do club. I have a feeling I’ll see a lot more personal bests from them this year.”

The duo also helped SCA place third in the boys 200-yard freestyle relay at 2:00.06, testing a new squad after last year’s seniors graduated. Alcala led off in what was also his first-ever relay race.

Notre Dame dominated the heat with its A and B teams finishing first and second at 1:44.91 and 1:54.25, respectively. Saints coach Bob Ostrander credited their edge to sharp technique off the walls.

“At practice, we do a lot of starts and turns in almost every workout,” Ostrander said. “Snapping the turn, getting a good underwater kick and a good breakout are a big part of our success.”

On the girls’ side, SCA sophomore Emily Bechert opened her season by winning the 50-yard freestyle in 28.57 despite battling shoulder and bicep tendon injuries.

“I’m going to shout out Emily because she’s starting off the year great,” Eaves said.

Bechert has been in physical therapy for two years, but she’s grown accustomed to training and competing through setbacks.

“I’m used to injuries, and they haven’t stopped me from swimming. Today has been great,” she said.

Senior Cate Clowers made a splash after beginning the year under the weather. A three-time state qualifier, Clowers is aiming to return this year despite her late start to the season.

“Cate has done great,” Eaves said. “She’s been sick the past few weeks, so this was literally her second day back since last season.” 

Clowers placed third in both the 50 and 100 freestyle, clocking 29.73 and 1:03.02.

“I felt good about the 50, a little less good about the 100. Being sick takes a toll,” Clowers said. “As a senior I have half days, so I have a little more time to get to the pool after school. I’m trying to get as much practice as possible.”

Despite being outnumbered, SCA’s swimmers stood together behind the blocks and cheered each other on throughout the meet.

“It’s been a good meet,” Clowers added. “It’s an awesome community and all the teams are really nice.”

SCA will head to Cactus Pool for the Desert Mountain Invite on Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. 

NDP will meet SCA and St. John Paul II at McDowell Mountain Ranch on Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. 

PCDS will host the Eagle Invite at home on Friday.