An Aug. 22 play day gave the Delmarva Christian volleyball team its first taste of varsity action, but it was the full best-of-five preseason match against Sussex Tech Aug. 26 that brought out the best of the Royals this preseason.

“We were super tired during part of the play day, whereas this game was super energetic,” senior Cameron Hastings said.  “We all played really well together as a team.”

Hastings' coach was pleased with the efforts of her girls as they tried to earn spots in the rotation.

“They've risen to the occasion, so I couldn't be happier with how they're playing,” Kelly Duffy said. “They're truly trusting in one another, they're encouraging one another and it was just nonstop communication today, which was great to see.”

The capital “C” word may be Christian with this team, but the little “c” certainly stands for one thing.

“Communicating and trusting each other; you always have to trust each other on the court, or else you're going to be all frantic,” Hastings said.

“This team is gonna go far as long as we keep communicating, keep driving together and keep going as a team,” senior Katie Jones said. 

Jones was an active blocker earlier in her career, and still takes on that role, but she has blossomed into quite the hitter, alongside her classmate with a similar profile, Tori Royster. Jones is eyeing a big year for her final varsity season, and Royster believes they have what it takes to collect some kills.

“We got to communicate with the setters, but I think overall, our team is really coming together, and I think that we will potentially grow as we go through the season,” Royster said. “We have great communication, and I think our team is just growing and growing dramatically every single day … I think we're gonna go very far.” 

As Royster and Jones adjust to new duties, Duffy believes the key to success, on top of communication, will be players contributing when their number is called, no matter where it is on the court.

“The biggest thing that we really need is everybody knowing their role and standing in their role well,” Duffy said. “Not necessarily a set lineup per se, but being able to adapt to positions and roles, whatever role it may be.”

No matter what happens, this squad knows they are fully supported by the Royals nation.

“Volleyball is a very big culture here,” Royster said. “We all love volleyball; it's very competitive, and we try to really challenge ourselves."

“It's been an amazing energy; we've really leaned into everyone being encouraging,” Duffy said. “It's not only our school theme, but we've adapted it to our volleyball court.” 

The attendance for the Aug. 26 preseason match was proof positive of the culture.

“We're incredibly blessed with what you saw today – a super strong fan base,” Duffy said. “They're just as excited as we are, and they come out in droves for us."