The Cape volleyball team got back to .500 with a four-set 24-26, 25-17, 25-16, 25-9 victory over the visiting Panthers Sept. 19.

Emerson Smith put up 43 assists, while senior libero Emily Cook bumped 21 digs.

“The first set, our minds weren’t in it,” said Cook. “Then [coach Tyler] Coupe gave us a little talk, and we got together and got back on the right track. Our serves went in and our passes were on point and our hits went down. That’s how you win a match.”

“Our team’s response after the first-set loss was really positive,” said Coupe. “I told the coaches as the set was progressing and things weren’t going our way [that] I wasn’t going to call a timeout. As young and inexperienced as we are, our kids need to learn how to play through and amidst adversity. In set one, we committed half [six] of our total missed serves throughout the match. After that, we were much more in control behind the line, and that really set the tone for us.

“Emily Cook had a brilliant match ... She really made some aggressive and smart reads that allowed Emme [Smith] to stay in system. The consistency of our middle blockers and attackers continues to be a really great sign. Amalia [Fruchtman] finishing with 13 kills on a .285 and Harper with 15 kills on a .541 is just brilliant. As we continue to grow in our consistency of play, having such effective middles will just allow more time and freedom to our pin hitters. I thought Ava [Calciano] and Amara [Fruchtman] on the left pin played well and kept balls in play when needed, and took some aggressive rips when they had the opportunity.”

Freshman Mamale Harper slammed 15 kills, while Amalia Fruchtman knocked down 13. Calciano hit 11 kills. Amara Fruchtman bumped 14 digs.

Cape will travel to Newark Charter Saturday, Sept. 23.