Cape volleyball powers into 2022 season
The Cape volleyball team is looking to improve on its 7-8 record from 2022 with leadership from seven returning seniors: Kali Lawson, Kayleigh Mault, Tatum Friend, Harlee Graulich, Natalie Derrickson, Taylor Ockels and Megan Smith, and a senior transfer, Morgan Green from Sussex Academy.
“We had a great three days of tryouts,” said Cape head coach Tyler Coupe. “We had 45 athletes competing for their spots. We ended up taking 15 on JV and 14 on varsity. A great sign of the continued interest and growth of our sport. Twenty who tried out were freshmen. Such a testament to our two middle school programs, and the work Dion Lamb and CVC does to promote and grow the game in the winter months. Of the 15 JV players, 12 are freshmen, with such a strong returning trio of sophomores in Emme Smith, Brielle Ross, and Alivia Heers. We have a few brand-new volleyball players on JV, but showed such a strong ability to listen and put into motion what we coaches asked each session. I’m really excited to see how coaches Logan [Shuttleworth] and Pam [Coupe] grow these athletes into the future of our program.”
New to varsity are freshman Amalia Fruchtman, and sophomores Maggie Minto and Ava Calciano.
“These three underclassmen have shown a great desire to compete. They’re hungry and eager to learn, and really stood out among all those trying out,” Coupe said. “Transfer junior Emily Cook has impressed us with her work ethic early on, and we’re excited to see what kind of role she claims.”
“We are ready for the season,” said senior Megan Smith. “We have a positive atmosphere this preseason and are working at a high level with lots of energy.”
“We have our first play day Friday at Smyrna, and we’re going to throw a ton of different looks out there,” said Coupe. “As a coach, I’m so excited to look at how the potential combinations will work. It’s a great time to be a Viking.
The Lady Vikings will open on the road against Delmarva Christian Friday, Sept. 9.
