In a battle of two schools calling the seat of Sussex County home, the Sussex Tech field hockey team bested Delmarva Christian 7-1 in its first game of the 2024 season.

“We looked pretty good – we still got some work to do – but we started off with a win, and I was very happy with that,” said Sussex Tech coach Robin Verdery.

Verdery said the Ravens’ passing game and feel for where everyone was on the field helped fuel the team’s success. On offense, the players showcased quality chemistry.

“We were really communicating in the circle; someone always had their stick on the ball, and then it just worked down on that end,” Ravens’ senior Shelby Ray said.

Ray finished with one goal and a game-high three assists, while fellow seniors Peyton Miller and Hayden Balback each tallied two goals. The girls’ classmate Hannah Walls scored one and helped on another. Sophomore Jasmine Hignutt also scored. 

“We had really good communication, especially on the front line,” Miller said. “We let each other know where we were and it worked out well, led to some really pretty goals.”

The two seniors were quite pleased with the Ravens’ effort and result.

“I’m pretty pumped,” Ray said. “It really boosts our confidence, and I feel like throughout the season, we’ll have more motivation to keep scoring, passing and working together as a team.”

Miller was proud of her whole team, adding that the Ravens’ defense was a brick wall no matter who was out on the field.

Splitting time in goal, senior Melea Pusey registered three saves and Hayley Balback stopped two.

“We’ve been working hard; I think we really earned or deserved this win,” Miller said. “It sets the pace for the rest of the season.”

Haley Jones scored the Royals’ lone goal. Bella Marinelli recorded 18 saves.