Seahawks soar over Eagles in boys’ volleyball grudge match

The Sussex Academy boys’ volleyball team thrillingly ended its 2025 home matches with a 3-2 win over Smyrna, avenging a 3-0 loss earlier in the season and putting a bow on Senior Night May 6.

“The team really came out here for me, and I really appreciated it,” said senior Daniel Keshishyan. “I didn't expect as much as I received; they've been really important to me these last two years, and it's just a great feeling.”

After taking the first two sets, the boys found themselves in the tiebreaker after the Eagles stormed back to even things at 2-2. The Seahawks were determined to send their senior off with a win and took an early lead before Smyrna tied things at 10-10. Sussex Academy refocused and pulled through for Keshishyan, leading to the requisite storming of the court and celebration.

“I was so happy; I don't think words can describe it,” Kesishyan said. “It's our first win in two years as a team. Our last home game ... Senior Night ... and we finally won as a team. It's indescribable.”

First-year coach Dreonna Phillips has been trying to improve her young squad, including the addition of some talented players midseason. The win served as validation for her commitment and the team’s efforts.

“We've been working on our serve-receive, which was a big problem for a long time,” Phillips said. “All of their hard work paid off. They worked really hard for us. I'm proud of them.”

While the future may be brighter for the Seahawks, they’ll have a void in leadership that will need to be filled.

“He's a great role model for the younger guys,” Phillips said. “He's good at keeping everybody in check and keeping everybody positive. He was really nice to have, and we're definitely gonna miss him.”

The Seahawks wrapped up their regular season at Dover May 8, after the Cape Gazette deadline.