Delmarva Christian highlights senior duo before dramatic comeback

A pair of Delmarva Christian seniors made their last home match of their high school careers a memorable one May 5, as the Royals came from behind to topple Delcastle 3-2.

“It was a great experience; I don’t know why we have to make this stuff so hard for ourselves, but it's a great way to win,” said senior Ethan Fels. 

The Royals won the first set 25-21, but dropped the next set 25-23 and the third set 31-29. Following their second-set loss, the boys regrouped and focused on playing for the future of their season.

“This was our Senior Night game, and this was also a very big game in determining if we make states or not,” Fels said. “That pushed us to win this, pushed us to push through the adversity.” 

After evening the match with a 25-21 fourth-set win, the Royals found themselves trailing in the fifth and final set before storming back for a match-clinching 15-10 win. 

“We came out and we wanted to play for me and Ethan – the whole team backed us,” said senior Quinn Downs. “We played hard ... that's what it's about.” 

Fels was all over the stat sheet, leading the team with 39 assists and two aces while digging out nine shots, blocking four and collecting six assists.

“My family is what motivated me to push through everything,” Fels said. “It's a great feeling seeing everyone who came out here to support me, and it’s great to have a win to show them.”

“Ethan has set every single play of this whole entire season,” said coach Jim Berger. “We run him around a lot with bad passes, but he gets the job done.”

Downs also had a strong Senior Night as he led the team with five blocks and added seven kills and three digs to the winning effort.

“I just came out and gave it my all; I went up for every ball, went up for every block and tried to hit everything, so I'll remember this all in the future,” Downs said.

Downs’ parents were in the stands to witness his greatness in the match.

“Without their support, I wouldn't be playing the sport, and their support has just helped me out through the whole entire season,” Downs said. “I'm just so honored and blessed to have them as my family.”

Delmarva Christian (6-7) will end the regular season with a trip to an 11-win William Penn team Friday, May 9. They are right on the cusp of making the state tournament.

“We're 3-0 in game fives now,” Berger said. “I like the fact that when the game's on the line, they really, really push.”