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Sussex Academy girls’ lax hosts play day

Seahawks have young team with experience
Sussex Academy defender Quinn Nutter clears the ball from the Kent Island offensive zone despite getting a stick to the head from Bucs attack Rylie Corn. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
March 20, 2023

The Sussex Academy girls’ lacrosse squad ended their preseason March 18 with a play day that included Kent Island (Md.) and North Caroline (Md). The Seahawks outscored both Maryland squads and dominated in the draw circle.

“We’ve all worked super hard,” said senior Sanne Elling. “We’ve all done different sports and conditioning this winter, and we’re ready to put it on the field.”

“We have a lot of great underclassmen that have stepped up and taken over for our Class of 2022 players,” said sophomore Shelby Manlove. “We just have to get a feel of working together again.”

“I think we finally came together and started playing as one team today,” said Seahawks head coach Taylor Gooch. “It  was the best outcome for me for the entire day. We had a lot of girls step up and bring energy to the field. Even though we have a lot of returning varsity players this year, we also have a lot of young players new to varsity that play like returners. Our goalie, Morgan [Leeper], specifically has stepped up tremendously and had an impressive day in goal.”

The Seahawks look to move to the DIAA playoffs, where they made it to the semifinals in 2022. They finished the 2022 regular season 14-1.

The Seahawks will open their regular season Wednesday, March 22, hosting Stephen Decatur.

Sussex Academy’s Shelby Manlove takes the draw from a Kent Island midfielder.
Sussex Academy senior Sanne Elling, right, wins the draw from a Kent Island player.
Seahawks sophomore goalie Morgan Leeper directs her defense.
Seahawks attack Callie Short gets an assist from X.
Seahawks sophomore goalie Morgan Leeper makes a save in the scrimmage with the Bucs.
Seahawks defender Shea Danahy, left, plays close defense on a Kent Island attack.
Seahawks defender Savannah Montgomery, left, plays close defense on a Kent Island attack.
Seahawks defender Adelle Leebel, right, battles for possession with Kent Island attack Gabby Polk.
Seahawks junior attack Callie Short speeds the ball into the Bucs’ defensive end.
Seahawks senior Sanne Elling is challenged by Bucs defender Madison Jordan.
Kent Island’s Ellie Burnside battles for possession with Seahawks player Marley Rohe.
Kent Island’s Caroline Levin moves the ball upfield with Shea Danahy playing close defense.
Callie Short scores on the North Caroline goal.
Seahawks senior Lily Manlove shoots and scores on the Kent Island goal.
Sussex Academy’s Emiley Bisaha dodges past a Kent Island defender.
Seahawks Ellie Merrick battles for possession with a Bucs midfielder.
Seahawks eighth-grader Liz Layton snags possession of a loose ball.
Seahawks sophomore Shelby Manlove speeds the ball upfield.
Seahawks senior Sanne Elling shoots and scores.
Sussex Academy’s Emiley Bisaha shoots and scores.
Seahawks senior Marley Rohe plays close defense on a Kent Island attack.

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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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