Delmarva Christian volleyball moves to quarters with 3-2 win over IR

Royals face Caesar Rodney Nov. 8 at St. Elizabeth

The Royals celebrate their 3-2 victory over the Indians to advance to the first quarterfinals appearance in program history. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

November 7, 2022

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect a change in time and location for the quarterfinal match.

The Delmarva Christian volleyball team moved into the quarterfinals of the DIAA state tournament with a five set 25-18, 17-25, 22-25, 25-22 and 15-5 victory over Indian River Nov. 4.

The Royals will play Caesar Rodney at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8, at St. Elizabeth School. It’s the Royals’ first trip to the DIAA quarterfinals in program history.

Elaina Millaway paced the Royals with 19 kills and 17 digs. Sister Ellie pounded 18 kills and bumped 10 digs. Senior setter Tessa Kwiatkowski put up 22 assists, while sister Maggie delivered 20 assists and four kills. Libero Lily Fetterman garnered 18 digs. Evelyn Jensen roofed nine blocks, while Kaylan Yoder had five blocks.

“I’m just so happy with the team right now,” said Kwiatkowski. “We pushed through until the end. We left it all on the court.”

“I think our communication was great,” said Elaina Millaway. “When we get down, the rest of us are there to pick each other up.”

“This game will definitely boost our confidence,” said Ellie Millaway. “It’s the first time we’ve made it this far in the tournament. The fact that we know that we’re capable of doing this, it will help us in the next round. And other people know it too.”

“We were very consistent,” said Fetterman. “The energy from the stands, our bench and from our student section really propelled us to win. They definitely helped us.”

“I don’t know what to say,” said Royals coach Mike Zampini. “Indian River played a great match. We all played point for point. Hats off to them. Everybody is peaking for us at the right time, and I hope we can keep it going.”

“Overall, I think we did exceptionally well with our season,” said Indian River junior libero Jade Wilkins. “Not the ending we had hoped for, but Delmarva Christian is a really good team; we just fell short in the fifth set. By far it was one of the best games my team and I have played. Two of our best wins this season came over Padua and Ursuline.”

The Indians finish their season at 11-7.