Delmarva Christian volleyball finishes third in state

Royals defeat Caravel in consolation game at UD

The Delmarva Christian volleyball team celebrates its third-place victory over the Caravel Academy squad. Shown in back are (l-r) Addy Benjamin, Taylor Lowe, Elaina Millaway, Layni Dukes, Keely Kondracki, Maggie Kwiatkowski, Ellie Millaway, Evelyn Jensen, manager Sarah Gardner, head coach Mike Zampini and assistant coach Kim Benjamin. In front are Valencia Mbuagbaw, Tessa Kwiakowski, Lily Fetterman and Tobi Robinson. Missing is Kaylan Yoder. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

November 15, 2022

A Hoosiers-type story finished with a happy ending Nov. 14, as the smallest Sussex County school in the DIAA volleyball tournament defeated New Castle County powerhouse Caravel Academy 25-15, 25-23 to garner third place on the biggest stage in the state, the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center.

The Royals were led by third-team all-state player Ellie Millaway with 13 kills, nine digs and three aces. Younger sister and first-team all-state player Elaina powered 10 kills, 11 digs and three aces. Senior captain Tessa Kwiatkowski garnered 17 assists, while her sophomore sister Maggie put up 13. They teamed for eight digs and seven kills. Senior libero Lily Fetterman bumped nine digs and knocked down a kill. Seniors Evelyn Jensen and Valencia Mbuagbaw, and juniors Tobi Robinson and Addy Benjamin played tough at the net and service line.

“I’m amazed at what this team did this year,” said first-year head coach Mike Zampini. “It’s a great experience for them. I’m so glad they got to experience it, and I’m glad I was part of it. It’s a wonderful feeling. I’m really happy for them.”

“I’m so proud for how far we’ve come this season,” said Elaina Millaway. “We’ve all grown closer. Coach Mike has definitely helped us so much. We couldn’t have done it without him and all of the support we’ve had from our classmates and community.”

“I’m so happy,” said Kwiatkowski. “This was a great way to end our season. I love this team.”

“This is a very special moment right now,” said Ellie Millaway. “I would not want to go out and end my senior year any other way. Playing at the Bob was amazing and so cool. I’m going to miss playing with my sister and I’m going to miss playing with this team. I’m glad this is how my senior season ends.”

After losing their first match Sept. 9, the Royals ran off 13 straight victories, including wins over volleyball powers Ursuline, Dover, Indian River, Red Lion, Tatnall and Caesar Rodney. The win over Caravel Academy was sweet revenge, as the Royals fell in five sets to the Bucs Oct. 27.

The Royals finish the season at 16-3.

Hollywood couldn’t have written a small-school underdog story any better.