The Cape volleyball team started its 2026 preseason with a play day at Smyrna Aug. 22, when they met Caesar Rodney, Smyrna, Newark Charter and Conrad in the first competition of the season. 

The Vikings finished last season at 10-7 with a second-round loss to Smyrna. This season, the Cape players are excited to get back out on the hardwood. 

"Every year, we spend this play day working out the kinks, playing new lineups and getting familiar with each other," said senior Harper Mamele. "Typically, it’s not executed perfectly, and there is always work to improve on, but I think this year we showed a lot of promise and performed better than expected."

"We are returning a good amount of starters, which is great for our court chemistry," continued Mamele. "Our new players are adjusting well with the team, which is great."

"I’d say the team is really well-rounded," said senior Camilla Willis. "There are a lot of players that can be seen in a lot of different places. The team also has a lot of new talent from upcoming underclassmen that has added more depth to the team that has added a lot of optimism for success in the upcoming season. I think it should be a good one." 

Returing for their senior year are Amara Fruchtman, Willis, Lindsey Smith and Mamele. Juniors returning are Journey McDaniel and Joelle Stephens. 

New to the varsity squad are Mia "Minnie" Pettengell, Sloane Pierce, Sophia Winkfield, Fiona Paul, Sophie Gregory, and freshmen Addison Mohacey, Annabell Bonk and Florida transfer Ava Buescher.

"Today was a good intro for us," said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. "It’s really just our third day together as a varsity squad, so we still have way more questions at the moment than answers. We ran five different lineups and got players attacking and defending in different positions, hoping to see what combo continues to work best.

"I thought for a majority of the day we served aggressively and took chances as an offense when the sets allowed us to. I think our communication in rally and serve-receive leaves room for improvement along with added consistency from our second contact, whether in system or out. A really great start this week that has me excited." 

Coupe, in his 12th season, has a staff of Pam Coupe, Vince Failla, Rachael Smith, George and Lori Celia, Rileigh Wilson and Rieligh Hudock. 

Familiar foes on the schedule are Newark Charter, Saint Mark's, Conrad, Ursuline as well as a tough Henlopen Conference schedule against Smyrna and Caesar Rodney, among others. 

The Vikings open the regular season Thursday, Sept. 10, against Sussex Tech at home.