Caesar Rodney holds off Cape volleyball 3-1

The Cape volleyball team won the second game 25-11 Oct. 22 in a best of five rally scoring against visiting Caesar Rodney. Those with a recollection of records claimed it was the first game inside a match Cape had ever won against the Riders. A large crowd of students was going bonkers with each point won. The best of five had settled into a best of three.

The Riders, a perennial Henlopen Conference power since the sport's inception, had already lost matches this season to Smyrna and Polytech, and so had Cape. The Vikings had momentum and a sense of confidence, but the Riders refocused and closed Cape out 25-19 and 25-17 by getting out front early and staying there.

Cape dropped to 11-3 on the season with one game remaining at St. Thomas More. The Ravens are 7-6 against a tough schedule, and the Vikings may have to win that game to be assured a spot in the postseason state tournament.

Cape had several stellar performances including Cameron Wick's 4 kills and 10 blocks, and Megan Hart's 9 kills and 10 blocks, and many of those blocks saw both athletes and four arms high over the net.

Alison Palmer with 12, Kira Vitella with 14, Mallory McDonald with 15 and Kristin Perkinson with 27 kept Cape in contention digging out hard shots.

Alison Palmer led the team in assists with an incredible 21.

But on the Riders' side of the net, it was the experience of high-flying Jessica Cregan with 15 kills and 21 digs that led the Riders to victory. Jessica Ament had 30 assists for the Riders, who improved to 11-3.

The state tournament in volleyball begins Saturday, Nov. 2.