Delmarva Christian boys’ volleyball sweeps Sussex Academy series

Squaring up for the second time in two weeks, the Delmarva Christian and Sussex Academy boys’ volleyball teams finished their season series April 26. The Royals’ 3-0 victory sealed the season sweep for the home team and pulled them to within one game of the .500 mark, 4-5.

The first set started with both teams going back and forth before the Royals managed to pull away following a 12-12 stalemate. Down 19-13, the Seahawks kept things close but could not make up the difference, losing 25-19 in a flip from the previous match when Sussex Academy took the first set. Junior Ethan Fels thought they underestimated their rival from down the street during the first go-around.

“I feel like we went into this match with more of the mentality that we want,” Fels said.

The improved passing the Royals exhibited in the rematch was a sign of their mental makeup.

“We've been working a lot on passing, which today I can say, it's paid off,” Royals coach Mike Zampini said. “Our passing was much better tonight than it has been the past couple of games.”

Sensing a chance to break their losing streak, Delmarva Christian players kept their foot on the gas and jumped out to an 11-3 lead in the second set. Sussex Academy battled back for the second set in a row to stay within striking distance. Leading 24-21, Delmarva Christian got the set-winning point on a block from sophomore Emery Messick.

“Last game, it was a 3-1 win, this one was a 3-0 win and we kept them down when we had them down,” Fels said.

With the third set playing out like the first two, the Seahawks threatened to come back from a substantial deficit but were ultimately turned away 25-17, bringing relief to the Royals.

Delmarva Christian traveled to MOT Charter April 29. The Royals will have a week off before a three-match week starting Monday, May 6.

Sussex Academy closes out its season with back-to-back three-match weeks, beginning April 29 against Caesar Rodney.