Sussex Academy field hockey falls just short of top-seed upset

The Sussex Academy field hockey team nearly fulfilled its role of spoiler in the Division II state tournament, but lost 1-0 to No. 1 Wilmington Friends Oct. 31.

“That was the best game of hockey I've seen in a very long time from our girls,” said Sussex Academy coach Caitlyn Hardy. “The fundamentals, what we've learned from the season, adjusting to attitudes against us, and embodying all that. We really kept our composure, played really great hockey out there; I'm so proud.” 

The Seahawks and Quakers generated plenty of scoring chances in the fast-paced contest, but Wilmington Friends did not score until there was 2:17 left in the game. Although the 1-0 loss ended their season, the Seahawks will carry a lot of momentum into the 2026 season after finishing strong.

“It's been a lot with a very young team,” Hardy said. “Their maturity level has grown a lot this season. The older girls have really helped with that, and I'm really excited for the next couple years.”

Shots were even at five apiece, and Sussex Academy had nine corners compared to Wilmington Friends’ eight, but the Seahawks couldn’t get an opportune bounce in front of the goal. Senior Kacie Rawlings made four saves in her final game as a Seahawk.

“It really meant everything to me,” Rawlings said. “I got the opportunity to get a higher level of education, and field hockey really bettered me as a player. I think it improved me as a person, as a player and gave me the higher competition that I needed to thrive.” 

The hugs on the sidelines were coming as fast as the tears on a team that gave it their all to try and get their seniors a shot at the title. Rawlings said it will be hard to pick just one thing she will remember.

“The players, the coaches, the atmosphere that we have, the support that we have, just everything,” Rawlings said.

Sussex Academy wrapped up its season at 10-8. Wilmington Friends followed the win with a 4-0 victory over Archmere to advance to the state championship against Newark Charter Friday, Nov. 7.

Sussex Academy senior Ryan Lowe and junior Bailey Mears led the team with 11 goals on the year. Freshman Mady Lehman joined them in the double-digit club with 10. Senior Shea Danahy had eight goals.

Lowe led the team with nine assists, giving her a team-high 31 points on the year.

Rawlings’ 110 saves give her 346 for her career.