Cape volleyball returns with a purpose
Looking to build on their 2024 record of 13-5 overall, the Cape volleyball squad returns six seniors to hopefully lead the talented Vikings to the winning Valhalla Land. The team fell to Padua in the second round of the DIAA state tourney in 2024.
Returning seniors looking for a playoff run are Mallory Terhune, Anejah Johnson-Grace, Amalia Frutchman, McKenzie Everson, Kaylee Sockriter and Rylee Ockels.
“We had a really fun first week,” said Cape head coach Tyler Coupe. “We had just shy of 50 athletes come to tryouts. It was probably the most competitive/complete tryout in the 11 years I’ve been here, from seniors down to freshman.”
Coupe believes his two underclassmen teams will be competitive on the hardwood. Also on the coaching roster are JV head coach Rachael Smith, varsity assistant Pam “Momma” Coupe, and George and Lori Celia with the freshman squad.
“The freshmen on the JV and freshman teams have a great understanding of the game already. The coaches are really going to be in a fun position to develop these ladies and prepare them for the future years. There’s some good size among those ninth-graders, but more importantly, good ball control and court awareness.”
The Vikings will face the tough Ursuline, Newark Charter, St. Mark’s and Conrad teams, and always-powerful conference opponents Smyrna, Caesar Rodney and Dover.
The Vikings will depend on the size of Amalia Fruchtman, Harper Mamele and Camilla Willis for their frontline play.
“What stands out for Camilla and Harper, though, is their ability to play backcourt defense,” said Coupe. “They each play a lot of beach ball in the summer, so they’re comfortable in serve receive and actively digging hard-driven balls.”
Amara Fruchtman and Mallory Terhune return in the backcourt to give continued ball control.
“We’re still looking at options, whether we run a 5-1, a 5-2 or a 6-2 with our setters, Kaylee [Sockriter), Joelle [Stephens] and Lindsey [Smith]. Figuring out which combo runs our offense most consistently will be key.”
The Vikings will play host for their annual nine-team scrimmage play day Saturday, Aug. 27. Teams participating are Conrad, Ursuline, Newark Charter, Archmere, Padua, Smyrna, St. Georges Tech and Tower Hill.
“Saturday’s going to be an awesome day of play with so many of the top teams in the state in our gym,” Coupe said. “We are looking forward to the growth at practices this week.”
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.
