Cape volleyball grounds the Seahawks 3-0
The Cape volleyball squad got back in the W column with a 25-8, 25-14 and 25-20 victory over Sussex Academy on the Vikings hardwood. They move to 3-1 on the season.
Tias Small led the Vikings with 10 kills. Bryce Patterson delivered six kills while Keller Mancari knocked down four. Talan Stephens put up 27 assists.
“Tonight was good rebound from Friday’s Sallies match,” said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. “We were able to get all of our available players some time on the court which was nice to see and experience. I thought Freshman Jake Panyko showed real court awareness and maturity. He found himself not in the best places to attack and still was able to find the court in smart ways and score some points. Alex Ernakovich had some impactful serves and Zion Hood got a couple swings and positive block touches at the net. I thought returning players did a great job keeping these less experienced players engaged and made sure they were in the right positions. Talan (Stephens) did a job distributing the ball and Tias (Small) really continues to find his own rhythm at the net. Our serving has to be a little more impactful and purposeful for success the rest of the week against IR and Friday against CR.”
The Vikings carried over their confidence and winning ways with a 25-14, 25-20 and 25-14 victory over a tough Indian River squad Wednesday, April 10.
Bryce Patterson scored nine kills and bumped six digs. Lawson Whaley pounded seven kills. Braxton Figgs, Talan Stephens and Tias Small each pounded five kills. Sophomore Ryder Van Horn smoked five aces. Jayceon White bumped seven digs. Stephens put up 27 assists.
“Tonight felt like it was our first time able to be in system consistently while still being challenged by our opponents,” said Coupe. “I thought we served them out of system which was helpful because their setter runs such a diverse and effective offense. Ryder Van Horn really made an impact coming in to serve for Tias in sets 2 and 3. It was great to see him rise to the challenge and control his whole body and demeanor. I thought Talan (Stephens) had a really smart night tonight, he was able to keep his hot hitters in rhythm and managed to remain an offense threat himself which will open up so many more opportunities for his hitters as the season progresses. Lawson Whaley really had a strong showing in set one, he hit with range and really good purpose and came back in set three. A positive showing to lead us with some energy into Friday’s match against CR.”
“The game tonight was our best showing all season,” said setter Talan Stephens. “We passed great which helped us run a really effective offense all throughout the game. Our block touches were really important in this game too.”
The Vikings move to 4-1 while the Indians are 2-2.
Cape plays host to Caesar Rodney Friday, April 12. Indian River travels to Sussex Academy April 17.
