Seahawks strike first, but Bucs score late to force OT

The Sussex Academy girls’ soccer team has proven a lot in 2025, and most recently garnered attention with a 1-1 draw against defending Division II state champion Caravel Academy.

“We definitely came into the game more humble ... and I think we definitely outplayed them,” said sophomore Maya Hastings.

Following a scoreless first half, played mostly in the middle third, Hastings got the Seahawks on the board with a beautiful goal from the left corner five minutes into the second half.

Clinging to the slimmest of advantages, Sussex Academy’s defense got to work trying to maintain the lead. As Caravel continued to press, more chances opened up for the defending champions, but the Seahawks remained stout, particularly on the wings, where the Bucs were trying to start things.

“The only thing to do is keep my head up and have that mindset of ‘win the ball every time,’” said senior Ashley Alvarez Chavez.

A free kick with less than five minutes to go in Caravel’s final third pinged off the crossbar and bounced in front of the goal. Freshman Kendall Southern was waiting to knock in the tying goal. 

Although the goal was deflating, Sussex Academy did not let a valuable point slip away, keeping the Bucs off the scoreboard through overtime. 

“Even though it wasn't the result we were looking for, I think we did really well to not lose the game, being active and not having energy fall flat,” Alvarez Chavez said.  “We kept our energy up, and I feel like that was really important in the game.” 

While the girls were disappointed not to get the win, coach Chase Humphrey was proud of their effort and their mindset after the game.

“We've shut down the best player in the state against Saint Mark, we hung with Appo at Appo, and now on our home pitch against Caravel. It was a good, non-victory win,” he said.