Cape volleyball defeats Royals in opening-day action
The Cape volleyball squad took a 25-11, 25-10, 25-14 opening-day victory over Delmarva Christian Sept. 8. But according to Cape coach Tyler Coupe, the match wasn’t as easy for the Vikings as the score indicated.
“Coming out with a win on match one is always a good feeling,” he said. “The scores don’t fully reflect it, but I thought Delmarva Christian played a strong defensive match. They kept a lot of balls in play that I thought were going to score for us. I don’t think our flow as a defense to offense was a smooth as it could have been.”
He said there were likely some first-match jitters, but the team’s preseason work should’ve resulted in cleaner play.
“I thought our attack was very efficient,” Coupe said. “We made roughly eight errors the entire match, which means we’re protecting the ball. Keeping Amalia [Fruchtman] and McKenzie [Everson] involved in our offense is such a priority, as they’re both highly efficient, but it will continue to open up opportunities for our pins. I thought all pins did well, really diversified how and where we were attacking."
Senior Kaylee Sockriter put up 33 assists to lead the Vikings. Amara Fruchtman bumped 13 digs from her libero position. Harper Mamele knocked down 12 kills and bumped seven digs. Amalia Fruchtman hit eight kills, while Everson and Camilla Willis had six each. Journey McDaniel had five kills.
“It feels good to get the first win,” said Sockriter. “Everyone was a little nervous before the match. I think we need to work on our communication a little, but that will come with playing. Once we do that, we’ll be ready for the rest of the season.”
Delmarva Christian coach Kelly Duffy said she’s proud of her team despite the 3-0 score.
“I’m extremely proud of our girls and the level of play they demonstrated tonight against a tough, talented, well-coached and seasoned team like Cape,” she said. ”Our girls had great moments throughout and fought to the very end. I was incredibly impressed by their mental toughness and no-quit attitude. Everyone owned their role in each rotation on and off the floor. Seeing this group of young ladies rally around each other and stay focused was incredible.”
Kaylin Conaway led the Royals with nine assists. Katie Jones had six kills. Morgan Stevenson led the team with 13 digs, while senior Riley Barto had two aces and 10 digs.
“I think our nerves are out now,” said Royals senior Kamryn Zarebicki. “This game showed us that we have to bring the intensity up. I think we played well. It will help us play tougher competition.”
Cape will host Ursuline Saturday, Sept. 13, while the Royals play host to Dover.
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.
