Delmarva Christian volleyball welcomed Ursuline Academy to the Mohr Floor Sept. 20, pitting the Royals against a squad many people believe is the best in the state following a runner-up finish in 2023.

“I made sure to talk to the girls and understand that fear is not an option; you can't be scared on the court,” said Royals coach John Luong. “We're going to play like we know how to play; we're going to pass, set, and we're going to swing for the backcourt.”

In the first set, the crowd was treated to some intense back-and-forth action, with Delmarva Christian jumping out to an early lead only to fall behind the Raiders late in the set. Although Ursuline prevailed 25-22, it was an example of the type of performance the now 2-4 Royals team is capable of.

“Our confidence is through the roof,” Luong said. “Our record may not show it, but our confidence and our willpower do, because the girls are going off knowing that they were able to keep up with one of the best, if not the best, teams in the state right now.”

The Raiders quickly proved in the second set why it’s not just their mascot who makes for an unpleasant guest. Ursuline nearly doubled up Delmarva Christian 25-13 before jumping out to a big lead in the third set. 

Ursuline padded its lead early and with good cause, as the Royals began to match points with the Raiders but were unable to get within five points. At 23-18, Ursuline earned the right to serve, and despite a late Delmarva Christian timeout, the Raiders were able to close things out 25-18.

Although the girls lost 3-0, they correctly processed that the game was played much more competitively than the final score indicated. Whether they were catching up with friends on the other side, smiling with each other or asking Luong what they could have done better, their post-game actions showed a team in high spirits.

“We may have lost, but I told the girls to keep their heads up because you can't be mad at a game like this, where we went point-for-point and we were head-to-head with the No. 1 team in the state,” Luong said.

Delmarva Christian faces another tough test when the squad plays Padua Academy at 7:15 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24. Luckily for the Royals, it will be the Pandas' third game in four days.