Cape volleyball Forced out in the DIAA semis
The Cape volleyball team fought the tough fight, but the Force was just a little too strong, as Charter School of Wilmington defeated the Vikings 25-20, 25-22, 25-18 in a match closer than the score indicated.
“Charter executed everything they needed to,” said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. “They served consistently; they had very few serving errors. They attacked very diversely and consistently. They got good defensive stabs and digs. We got beat by a better team. It’s not easy to see in the moment. I think in a couple of days, our boys will see that we played a good match. To be where we were last year and to come where we are, graduating 85% of your starters from a state championship team, and still take it to the semis and push a team to a 25-20, 25-22, 25-18 match, it’s a great showing from a group of new kids. We’re bummed at the moment, but we’re not upset with our execution.”
The Vikings were led by junior Bryce Patterson with 12 kills and 12 digs. Talan Stephens had 27 assists, 10 digs and four kills.
“We had a great season,” said an emotional Stephens. “This is a great team, and we had a lot of great games.”
Sophomore Lawson Whaley and senior Tias Small each knocked down seven kills, and four and three digs, respectively. Small served an ace and had two blocks.
Senior Blake Catts pounded two kills and bumped six digs. Jayceon White and Kieran Morrissey bumped eight and six digs, respectively.
“Coming off last year, we had so many seniors that graduated,” said White. “We didn’t know what to expect this year. We brought a lot of new talent, and the older guys stepped up and brought it. We deserved to be here. They were just a better team today.”
The Vikings finish their season 14-3 with nine shutouts.
Jaden Hong led the Force with 31 assists.
