Cape volleyball takes the Dogs out in DIAA quarters
The Cape volleyball team used consistent action from every player in its 25-16, 25-17, 25-13 win over Brandywine in the quarterfinals of the state tournament May 18.
Cape senior setter Talan Stephens showed his versatility on the court, not only putting up 24 assists, but also collecting four kills, two aces, three blocks and six digs.
“I felt that I was locked in for this game,” said Stephens. “I knew if we won, it would guarantee we play Tuesday, and I just want to keep playing this sport. The crowd really helped us keep our energy the entire game.”
“Talan continues to save some of his best work for big stages,” said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. “He’s taken in such a large load, and we ask him to do a lot. He plays aggressive block defense along with back-court defense. He has the serving control to put teams out of system and the aggressive mindset to remain an offensive threat when in the front court.”
Junior Bryce Patterson had 11 kills and four digs.
“Every single game we get so much better,” Patterson said. “Our passion for the game and our team chemistry just increase every game. We love being out here together.”
Blake Catts recorded five kills, three aces and seven digs.
“This is really needed, a great win like this,” Catts said. “If anything went wrong, each person knew what they did wrong, and we came back and scored the point back. We didn’t fall into a hole at any point and didn’t let them catch up to us.”
Senior Tias Small garnered four kills, two blocks and six digs.
“We have to keep this energy up,” said Small. “Nothing went wrong tonight. This is Cape volleyball. I love it.”
Sophomores Lawson Whaley and Braxton Figgs made four kills each and teamed for four blocks. Jayceon White bumped 10 digs and had an assist. Junior Kieran Morrissey served an ace and bumped a pair of assists.
“As a coaching staff, we’re hard on the team in regard to the quality of how we play, the intention of how we play, and we push them hard,” said Coupe. “But we also push them in a celebratory manner. In our practice, we emphasize how lucky they are to play this game and how lucky they are to be in this community that celebrates them. To have a crowd like tonight who have so many people who have no connection, no kids playing, and they come out to support them. They should have fun, because sports are meant to have fun.”
The Vikings travel to the Charter School of Wilmington Tuesday, May 21, for the DIAA semifinals. Game time is 4:30.
