Cape volleyball upsets Dover 3-1
The Cape volleyball team bolstered its postseason resume with a 12-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-23 victory over Dover on the Vikings’ Senior Night. The Vikings improve to 9-6, while Dover moves to 11-4.
Starting off slow, the Vikings’ service game seemed to falter in the first set.
“All six of us missed a serve in the first set, and that is really hard to overcome,” said junior Harper Mamele. “I think our serving consistency was pretty poor throughout the match; however, when it was in, we were able to get them out of system and capitalize on defense.”
Mamele led the Vikings at the net with 21 kills. Kaylee Sockriter put up 37 assists, while Amara Fruchtman bumped 19 digs.
“Tonight is a sizable win for our team,” said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. “Dover is a super physical team that never really feels like they’re out of system. They are willing and able to attack as often as they can, which applies serious pressure to our defense.”
Coupe believes the team started out slow.
“Our first-set effort and execution was really poor,” he said. “We looked unfocused and undisciplined. I was really happy with their ability to buck up in set two and set the tone for the rest of the match. Our in rally defense was really aggressive, and I think provided the boost we needed to get over the hump.”
“We really came together and started communicating more consistently as the match progressed,” said senior Mallory Terhune. “We knew that we were capable of winning; we just had to dig deep. Overall, I think coming into the second set with more energy and intensity really set us up for success. Diversity in how we served and attacked was a huge focus for us, and we were able to execute.”
The Vikings earned the No. 9 seed in the state tournament and will host No. 24 Delaware Military Academy at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30.
Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs.
