Cape volleyball downs Newark Charter 3-0
The Cape boys’ volleyball team defeated Newark Charter 25-14, 25-20, 25-19 in the quarterfinals of the state tournament May 16. With the win, the Vikings advance to the semifinals Thursday, May 18, when they will host third-seeded Wilmington Charter.
Talan Stephens continued to spread the ball around, garnering 31 assists in the match.
“This is incredible,” said the junior setter. “It’s the first year in the DIAA. It feels so nice to come out and play for my team.”
Sophomore Bryce Patterson and seniors Billy Cerf and Odin Potemski had 10, nine and eight kills, respectively. Dylan Henry, Ryan Diller, Brady Lamb and Stephens teamed for 12 kills. Senior libero Niko Panyko led in digs with four.
“It’s a little surreal,” said Potemski. “Two years ago was our beginning as a team, and people didn’t think we would make this much progress. We’ve grown by leaps and bounds. I’m proud of my boys, and we want to keep it going.”
“It’s awesome,” said Lamb. “Being a DIAA-sanctioned sport, it makes playing more fun this year, and it makes the competition more intense.”
“What’s nice about tonight’s win is that we have seven more days together as a team,” said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. ”Win or lose Thursday, we play again next Tuesday. The kids have worked hard, and they have bought into what we have been preaching and have accepted certain failures. They are learning new things each day, and we’re trying to keep the attitude of making 1% improvement each day.”
Coupe looks forward to the team’s 11 seniors leading the squad into the school’s first semifinal match against the 12-2 Force.
“Our seniors are so athletic. They are so talented, very loose and comfortable being themselves. It’s such a desirable trait as a coach,” Coupe said. “Our kids are great at being different. We celebrate them, accept them and they push each other, and they have a chance to set this program in the right direction for years to come.”
