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Seahawks volleyball hosts play day scrimmage

Sussex Academy’s Reagan Klahr (middle) spikes a kill through the Polytech defense during the Sussex Academy play day scrimmages. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
August 19, 2025

Sussex Academy girls’ volleyball played host to an eight-team play day scrimmage Aug. 16 where each team was able to work on finalizing their preseason lineups. Teams on site for the scrimmages were  Polytech, Indian River, Delmarva Christian, Sussex Central, Laurel, Lake Forest and Sussex Academy.

“There was a lot of talent across the board,” said Sussex Academy head coach Hailee Gooch. “Delmarva Christian’s outside was a delightful surprise; she’s going to have a bright career ahead. Lake Forest once again proved themselves as scrappy on defense with strong servers, making them tough competition for us in the division. Central showed so much all-around talent and versatility, and they’re always a fun team to play against.”

Sussex Academy will open the season Thursday, Sept. 4 at Newark High School. 

“For us, today was about mixing lineups, which really highlighted where we need to focus these next couple weeks of preseason. Maya Hastings, Grayce Glover and Reagan Khlar played aggressive plays at the net for us. I’m also proud of our younger athletes stepping up to varsity with confidence. This is a hardworking group of girls, and I know they’ll continue pushing each other to improve,” Gooch said. 

“This play day was a great opportunity for our team to compete against other local teams,” said Delmarva Christian head coach Kelly Duffy. “This year, we’re an extremely young program, and many student-athletes are finding themselves in new roles. It was exciting to see the girls come together and compete. Their excitement was infectious. Our upperclassmen were eager to encourage their teammates. Even our young teammates stepped in and played at a highly competitive level. We’ve highlighted some areas to work on and are looking forward to the start of the season. I’m most excited about the girls commitment to being a united team this year.”
 
The Royals open their regular season Monday, Sept. 8, at Cape Henlopen. 
 
Sussex Academy’s Nadia Ahmed makes a diving dig in the scrimmage with the Panthers.
Sussex Academy’s Reagan Klahr and Nadia Ahmed go for a block on a Polytech kill attempt.
Sussex Academy’s Anna Lara-Nieto bumps a set in the scrimmage with the Panthers.
Sussex Academy junior Grayce Glover pounds a kill shot.
Sussex Academy senior Ellie Merrick knocks down a winner.
Sussex Academy sophomore Jopie Smith serves a winner in the scrimmage with the Panthers.
Sussex Academy’s Anna Lara-Nieto, left, and Reagan Klahr cover the midcourt.
Reagan Klahr pounds a shot for the Seahawks.
Delmarva Christian’s Raegan Bryant makes a diving dig for the Royals.
Royals senior Riley Barto bumps a return against Indian River.
Addison Light serves a winner for the Royals.
Kelly Davis pounds a serve for the Royals.
Royals front line player Kinley Doughty roofs a Lake Forest kill attempt.
Junior Katie Jones knocks down a winner for the Royals.
Senior Kamryn Zarebicki serves a winner for the Royals.
Sophomore Morgan Stevenson makes a diving dig for the Royals.
Morgan Stevenson pounds a serve for the Delmarva Christian squad.
Emily Potter serves a winner for the Delmarva Christian team.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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