Vikings volleyball wins battle with Indians on Senior Night
The Cape volleyball team took one step closer to the playoffs with a 25-23, 25-22, 25-20 victory over Indian River on the Vikings’ Senior Night May 5. Cape moves to 8-4, while the Indians are 9-4.
Balanced net play was a key to the win. Cape’s Jason Harpel-Rickards notched 37 assists and spread the pill out to Lawson Whaley with 10 kills and Keller Mancari, Braxton Figgs and Bryce Patterson with nine kills each.
Patterson also bumped 12 digs, while Whaley and Ryder Van Horn bumped 10 digs apiece in the backcourt. Kieran Morrissey continues to be a force behind the service line with four aces.
“I’m really happy with our performance, and not just the result, but how we got there,” said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. “It felt like the first time we were unafraid of our own play. We would make a mistake or get beat on a point, and rather than look for blame, each guy kept their cool and focused on how to help the team score the next point. I really liked our serve-receive. I thought each of the passers gave Jason a chance to run our offense in rhythm/system. Our attackers had really good intentions; our footwork/timing was really good. Even the mistakes we made, I was OK with because how we attempted to get there was correctly done. I think this was the type of match that hopefully can give us some confidence and energy as we look to qualify and hopefully make a run in the state tournament.”
As for the Class of 2025, Coupe was quick to give praise of the seniors’ leadership.
“Our seniors really did a great job. Though Zion [Hood] doesn’t get the most playing time, he still keeps the players on the court and the bench involved and engaged, and is a vital part of our culture. Keller and Bryce had really smart nights at the net; they took big rips when the opportunity presented, but also applied pressure when timing was off. Kieran had a super-efficient night from the service line and had some beautiful service receptions. These seniors have been a a blessing to have within our program, and I’m looking forward to having them together as long as possible the rest of the spring."
The Vikings finish up the regular schedule Saturday, May 10, at home with Newark Charter. Game time is 11:30 a.m.
