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Field hockey teams fine tune details at Sussex Academy play day

Seahawks host Delmarva Christian, Sussex Central, IR, Polytech, CR and Saint Mark’s
Seahawks senior Ryan Lowe surveys her options after creating space for a shot or pass against Polytech during the Sussex Academy play day Aug. 23. AARON R. MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
August 30, 2025

Sussex Academy field hockey invited a few neighbors and some long-distance friends to Georgetown for a play day Aug. 23.

The Seahawks got off to a good start, upending a traditionally strong Saint Mark’s team to start the day before dispatching Polytech.

Sussex Academy has Henlopen South title ambitions and would like to knock off Delmar from the throne, but Indian River’s squad proved it’s also interested in reigning over the division.

Seahawks coach Caitlyn Hardy was impressed with the IR squad, and when the two teams get together Thursday, Oct. 16, when it counts, it could be a must-see matchup.

Sussex Academy rounded out the day by defeating Sussex Central and Caesar Rodney to end a productive play day for the Seahawks.

A young Delmarva Christian team had an impressive showing, keeping things close against Saint Mark’s, besting Sussex Central in a short game and upending Polytech to end the day. 

The girls will use that confidence as they embark on a schedule that includes Polytech, Seaford, Lake Forest and Laurel. The small-school Royals relish the chance to compete with public schools a bit larger than themselves. 

The Seahawks open up their regular season with an away game at Woodbridge at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, while the Royals welcome their rival Tome School at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 5.

 

Sussex Academy senior Ryan Lowe winds up for a shot.
Seahawks freshman Mady Lehman scores on the doorstep of the Polytech goal.
Sussex Academy junior Liz Layton frees herself for a shot that smacked the boards for a goal.
Sussex Academy senior Kacie Rawlings makes a stick save.
Sussex Academy freshman Emma Orlen carries with Indian River freshman Caroline Williamson on her heels and Ella Peterson working her way back.
Seahawks sophomore Maeve Lawson moves to her left as IR’s Natalie Moran begins to slide over.
Sussex Academy freshman Emma Orlen makes her way up the sideline as IR’s Reece Forrey closes in.
A fearless Meredith Schiff puts her body on the line for the Seahawks as she closes in on Baylie Williamson and cuts off the passing lane to Baylie’s sister Caroline.
Delmarva Christian freshman Liv Balback lights the lamp against Sussex Central.
Sussex Central senior Olivia Justice corrals a ball.
Seahawks freshman Mady Lehman celebrates a goal with senior Shea Danahy.
Delmarva Christian freshman Liv Balback makes her way into the circle.
The Golden Knights storm out of their castle on a corner.
Used to the speedy turf, Sussex Academy senior Ryan Lowe had to lift quite a few passes to move at the speed the Seahawks are used to flying at.
Seahawks senior Ryan Lowe has to do a quick backtrack when the ball gets caught in the grass.
Sussex Central senior Tori Jones, left and junior Erin McIntosh close in on Sussex Academy freshman Emma Orlen.

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Aaron Mushrush joined the sports team in Summer 2023 to help cover the emerging youth athletics scene in the Cape Region. After lettering in soccer and lacrosse at Sussex Tech, he played lacrosse at Division III Eastern University in St. David's, PA. Aaron coached lacrosse at Sussex Tech in 2009 and 2011. Post-collegiately, Mush played in the Eastern Shore Summer Lacrosse League for Blue Bird Tavern and Saltwater Lacrosse. He competed in several tournaments for the Shamrocks Lacrosse Club, which blossomed into the Maryland Lacrosse League (MDLL). Aaron interned at the Coastal Point before becoming assistant director at WMDT-TV 47 ABC in 2017 and eventually assignment editor in 2018. 

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