Spartans conquer Royals 3-0 in game closer than score

The Lake Forest girls’ volleyball squad in 2025 is a team that seldom makes mistakes. Delmarva Christian learned that the hard way in a 3-0 loss Sept. 26.

“I tell the girls I'm never going to get into a wins and losses argument, but if we're playing our best volleyball and not giving up, then I'm happy with our progress,” said coach Kelly Duffy.

Her Royals started out meeting the Spartans’ intensity and playmaking early on, but the Lake Forest skill at the net was the difference.

“They're a super strong, fundamentally sound team; they're placing the ball where they want, they're playing solid defense, and they're just not giving up on any balls,” Duffy said. “We're scrappy, and they're scrappy.”

Lake Forest took the first set 25-17, the second set 25-14 and the final set 25-9 to come away with the 3-0 victory. Though the margins got wider, both teams played with maximum effort from first serve to match point.

“So much hustle on the floor, and both teams really wanted every single point tonight, and that's really what it comes down to,” Duffy said. “I'm super excited to see the growth of our volleyball program, not just here in our school, but throughout the county. And even in lower Kent County.”

Lake Forest was led by Bayli Glanden’s 12 kills, Pacey Hull's three aces, Erin Melvin’s nine digs and Sadie Fournier’s 31 assists. 

Facing a quick-turnaround, the Royals traveled to Wilmington Christian Sept. 27 and came out with a fast start, securing a 25-19 set win. However, Wilmington Christian rattled off two straight sets and won the match with a 27-25 fourth-set victory.

“We're super competitive across every game that we're in,” Duffy said. “I'm just excited for our girls to be able to capitalize on some of their hustles so they see the fruit of their labor soon.” 

Delmarva Christian is set to host Delmar at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, and Caesar Rodney at noon, Saturday, Oct. 4.