The DIAA Division II field hockey semifinal between eight-time state champion Delmar (17-1) and Sussex Academy (13-4) couldn’t have been more exciting, as each team left it all on the Drass Field turf following a 3-2 overtime win by Delmar. The Wildcats will face Wilmington Friends in the DIAA final Saturday, Nov. 9, at Drass Field.

The Wildcats struck the board first, as Jordyn Hollamon slammed home a shot off a pass from Laela Brown at 8:28. The senior pair teamed again at 11:36 of the third period to take a 2-0 lead.

Most people in the stands penciled Delmar in as the sure victor, but Seahawks exchange student Lente Werner took a pass from Shelby Manlove and put it past Delmar keeper Marleigh Wells with just 15 ticks left on the third-quarter clock.

Both players teamed up again at 11:48 of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 2-2.

The Seahawks matched the Wildcats shot for shot and save for save in the 7-on-7 overtime until the Wildcats were awarded a corner with just 1:26 left. The ball was inserted to Hollamon, who buried it to give Delmar the 3-2 victory.

“I was nervous for this game,” said relieved Delmar head coach Jodi Hollamon. “I calmed down when Jordyn finished it in OT. Both teams left it all on the field. It was amazing. I think this game will give us confidence that we can handle any situation. What a day of emotions for everyone.” 

“It was a pretty awesome game,” said an emotional Sussex Academy captain Shelby Manlove, “We did everything we needed to do. We came from behind, which is pretty much the hardest thing to do in field hockey, especially when we got two goals on Delmar, who have won it for eight years. I think every one of our players played the best game this season. I’m really proud of us.”

The Seahawks took nine shots on the Delmar cage, including three in the overtime period. The Wildcats put 12 on the Seahawks’ goal. Delmar held a 13-7 advantage in penalty corners. 

Sussex Academy goalie Kacie Rawlings made nine saves, while Delmar’s Marleigh Wells stopped eight shots.

“We have an amazing team,” said Rawlings. “I think we played great. I think we’re comparable with them. It came down to that last minute. Jordyn is an amazing player.”

“It’s the best season ever,” said Seahawks head coach Caitlyn Hardy. “I’m so proud of them. It’s been insane. The whole season, we’ve overcome a lot of hard games. We were here two years ago. It’s the same outcome, but we did awesome. Maybe a few inches here and there, and it’s a different outcome in overtime. I’m proud of my girls.”