Cape volleyball powers over Dover
The Cape boys’ volleyball team’s experience propelled the Vikings past Dover 25-7, 25-7, 25-14 March 27. They move to 2-0 on the season.
Junior Bryce Patterson led the Vikings with 10 kills and five aces.
“It was really important for us to get everyone in and have them see some experience on the court,” said Patterson. “We really worked on a lot of different plays and game plans that we weren’t really familiar with. But with everyone getting in and trying new things, this will help us throughout the season.”
Senior Blake Catts slammed eight kills and an ace. Tias Small knocked down seven kills and two aces. Junior setter Talan Stephens put up 19 assists, while libero Jayceon White served three aces and put up two assists. Jason Harpel-Rickards scored four assists.
“I think everyone getting into the games is building confidence,” said White. “That will show in our next couple of games. We have to keep playing as a team. We have Sallies coming up next, and we have to stay within ourselves. Consistency is the key.”
“We have to keep doing what we’re doing,” said sophomore hitter Braxton Figgs. “Today was all about consistency and working on the little things to help us get better. It’s going to be a challenge with Sallies next week. I think during our play day they got the best of us, so I am excited to get back on the court against them.”
Cape head coach Tyler Coupe said the team executed well against Dover.
“We served aggressively, finishing with a plus-10 ace-to-error ratio, which helps us control the tempo of the match,” he said. “I think even though scores don’t fully reflect it, for their inaugural season, Dover has some athletes who, once they find their rhythm and comfortability, will become issues for us in the future. In matches like these, really small details are offered to us to try and become automatic with, primarily our free-ball passing.”
Against Sallies, Coupe said, the team can’t afford to make lazy or ill-timed errors.
Sallies will make the trip to Cape Friday, April 5, for a repeat of the 2023 DIAA finals rematch. The Vikings defeated the Sals 3-0 to win the 2023 state title.
