Delmar hockey makes history, wins first state title

The Delmar Wildcats are no longer bridesmaids, as they finally became brides with a dominating 3-0 victory over Tower Hill Nov. 18 in the DIAA championship at UD’s Rullo Stadium.

The Lady Wildcats, who have been to the championship game five of the last six years, finally tasted the sweet flavor of victory by dominating the fourth-seeded Hillers as they did Lake Forest, Milford and Polytech earlier in the tournament. They outscored their playoff opponents 15-1 and 110-8 on the season.

The defense came up big for the Wildcats, allowing just two shots on the cage.

“It was our game,” said sophomore defender Hailey Bitters. “We played our game. We knew what we had to do, and we came out here and got it done. The clock flew by for us, and we were counting it down as we went by it.”

“We definitely came out on top tonight,” said junior captain Peyton Kemp. “We knew Tower Hill would never give up, and they didn’t give up. We knew we had to keep pressing even in the second half when we were up two goals.”

The Delmar defense was led by junior goalkeeper Madison Blewitt, who saw a limited number of shots during the postseason.

“My defense is amazing. My team is amazing. They played amazing,” Blewitt said. “I have no words.”

Delmar head coach Jody Hollamon had high praise for her team on their first DIAA title.

“I was nervous. The only reason I was nervous was because I wanted this and our coaches wanted this so much for these kids. You always try to prepare yourself, as a coach, on how you’re going to handle yourself if you win or how are you going to handle it if you lose. But I’m so proud of these kids. They definitely deserve this.”