Seahawks girls soccer win third Henlopen South title in a row

Back-to-back-to-back titles are tough in any sport at any level, but the Sussex Academy girls’ soccer team’s 1-0 win over Delmar clinched the team’s third Henlopen South crown in as many years.

With freshman Addyson Bleile’s goal in the 60th minute off a pass from senior Natalie Roblero Chavez, the Seahawks took the win in a game that was so good, the head referee was overheard saying that it was a beautiful match.

“We have a special bond with one another, and we always tell ourselves to trust that person with us, because without it, then there wouldn't be a team, it'll just be one person,” Roblero Chavez said. “I trusted Addison with that ball, and I knew that she had the foot to score the goal and to have it nicely, precisely in that corner.”

Delmar keeper Lily Baker kept a seal on the goal for just under an hour with spectacular saves and a back line that never ventured too far upfield. Windows were small and paths were blocked, for the most part.

“I was just trying to make space for the other people, especially for that assist,” Roblero Chavez said. “I got the ball [in that spot] from going to the near post, and then I just quickly noticed that someone was open behind my back.”

“It's all about being patient because it did happen – and it will happen – so it's becoming patient in the final third,” said junior Deb Williams.

Williams, a captain, was thrilled to have something tangible to show for their performance in the game and throughout the season.

“We wanted to run it back this year, because the top three teams in our conference are us, Delmar, and, honestly, Lake Forest is coming up there a little bit too,” Williams said. “We wanted to show our dominance. We did, but unfortunately, the score didn't show that. But if you watch the game, you could tell we had total possession.”

While the offense had its fun, generating 18 shots, the defense earned its sixth clean sheet of the season and did not allow a single shot. Every breath of a scoring chance was sniffed out well before the Wildcats could get a good look on frame.

“I think communicating is my biggest thing,” said senior Sienna Serpico. “I think a lot of people in my back line would say I’m bossing people around a little bit, but that just really helps our team. I trust my players up top, and I know they're actively thinking and trying to get us the goal.”

Serpico knows what it takes for this team to keep playing well into May.

“It was a very exciting game; we had to really be patient in that one but, last year, we won the South, we won the conference and we went a little short in states,” she said. “I think we're just gonna go on that run again.”

Her classmate Roblero Chavez is delighted with the third South title in a row, but is also hoping her class can help get the Seahawks past the second round this year.

“I'm proud of myself, but also my teammates because they put the work in,” Roblero Chavez said. “I hope that we keep it coming in the coming years for the underclassmen.”

Sussex Academy welcomes nine-win Caravel Academy at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 10. The boys' team will receive their 2024 Division II state championship rings at the game.