The Cape volleyball team’s comeback bid fell short in the 15-25, 12-25, 25-20, 23-25 loss to Caesar Rodney Oct. 3. The Vikings move to 4-4, while the Riders gallop to 6-2.

Cape started off slow and never recovered in the first two sets, as the Riders’ physical play kept the Vikings off balance. They regrouped to win the third set and were up 15-9 in the fourth, but could not hold on to force a fifth set. 

“We coaches were really pleased with our determination and grit in sets 3 and 4,” said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. “It would have been very easy for us to mail it in and give up, but they were able to regroup emotionally as a team, and from there, their physical game followed. In sets 2 and 3, we did a much better job of keeping our first serves in, something that at times gets overlooked. When players miss those first attempts, it just completely zaps any energy or momentum carried over from the previous point. I thought our block touch did a great job at slowing down a really high-powered offense. I think both Harper [Mamele] and Amalia [Fruchtman] had to stay honest with CR’s middles, but they did a great job of getting out to the pins to try and close. I thought all our defenders did a good job in rally defense, especially Ava [Calciano] and Emily [Cook].”

“We were determined and really wanted it,” said Calciano. “I think the experience of playing this team will drive us further. I think it pushes us to work even harder.”

Cook, Cape’s libero, put a streak of winning serves together to boost the team past the Riders in the third.

“I felt good from the service line,” said Cook. “But our front line was really physical and matched up with them. Ava, Amalia and Harper did a great job in our comeback.”

Setter Emerson Smith put up 20 assists. Fruchtman pounded eight kills, while Mamele put down six. Calciano made 16 digs, while Lily Joyce, Cook and Brielle Ross made nine, eight and seven, respectively.

Melissa Eddy led the Riders with 16 kills and 18 digs. Elianna Dyer had nine kills and 14 digs, while Reagan White had nine kills.

The Vikings will host 4-3 Conrad Friday, Oct. 6.