Indian River beats Delmarva Christian in volleyball

Royals force fifth set after losing first two

Indian River defeated Delmarva Christian 3-2 Sept. 21 with a tense battle in Dagsboro. The Indians went up 2-0 before the Royals evened things up to force a fifth set. Shown are (l-r) Royals freshman Katherine Jones, Indians senior Taylor Conaway, Royals senior Addy Benjamin, Indians junior Macy Mumford and Indians senior Alisa Tyre. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS

Aaron R. Mushrush

September 22, 2023

Delmarva Christian traveled to Dagsboro Sept. 21 after shutting out Delmar 3-0 earlier in the week. Indians River was hoping to avenge a five-set loss to the Royals in the second round of the 2022 DIAA tournament.

“I think both teams fought very hard; they were both very challenging. At the end of the day, IR stepped it up and put their errors aside,” said Delmarva Christian assistant coach Emily Jones following her team’s 3-2 loss to IR.

In the first set, the Indians defeated the Royals 25-18 in a game that featured a little back-and-forth from both teams. The Indians were able to take the second set too, but the Royals only lost 25-21 and began building momentum heading into the must-win remaining sets.

Jumping out to an early lead, it seemed the Indians were on the verge of a sweep before Royals coach Mike Zampini called a timeout. Unlike the timeout called earlier in the match, he did not talk to his team, instead letting the players work it out on their own. Indian River nearly took the set, racing to 24 points, but Delmarva Christian remained focused and battled back to tie and take the lead 25-24. Junior Taylor Lowe would seal the set for the Royals on a heck of a play and was swiftly congratulated by her teammates.

“The first few matches our energy was low, and that partially affected our game, but it started rising,” Jones said.

In the fourth match, the Royals defeated the Indians 25-11. Seniors Maggie Kwiatkowski and Tobi Robinson led by example with constant hustle, and contributions from freshman Katherine Jones also made a difference. Kwiatkowski was joined by Elaina Millaway in attacking the net offensively, while junior Madison Jones held down the defensive end. Junior Khushi Patel was setting the table for the high fliers all night.

“It was really fun and it brings us more energy, we get to fight more, and we get to prove ourselves more,” said Madison Jones, adding the key to the two wins was giving 150%.

True to the match, the final set began with an exchange of points and momentum. In the end, the Indians were able to seal a 3-2 win with a 15-11 victory. Royals coaches were happy with their players’ efforts.

“They did a fantastic job. There’s not one single girl on the team that shouldn’t be proud tonight,” Emily Jones said.

Indian River senior Alisa Tyre delivers a serve during the second set.

Royals Junior Taylor Lowe elevates for a kill.

Delmarva Christian junior Taylor Lowe prepares to serve.

Royals senior Alexandra Munro and junior Layni Dukes team up for a block against Indians junior Taylor Conaway.

Delmarva Christian junior Madison Jones sets the ball over the net.

Royals junior Elaina Millaway jumps to serve the ball

Delmarva Christian senior Tobi Robinson and junior Layni Dukes share a special handshake when they take the floor together.

Indians junior Taylor Conaway starts a serve to the Royals.

Royals senior Maggie Kwiatkowski and junior Elaina Millaway dive for a ball as junior Taylor Lowe looks on.

A Royals timeout during the third set resulted in a players’ meeting led by juniors Elaina Millaway, No. 7, and Taylor Lowe, wearing goggles.

Indian River junior Gracie Hoban serves a ball during the third set.

Royals senior Maggie Kwiatkowski rises up for a kill.

Delmarva Christian freshman Katherine Jones made a noticeable impact when she entered play in the third set.

Royals freshman Katherine Jones teams up with senior Maggie Kwiatkowski for a block.

Delmarva Christian junior Taylor Lowe earns a pat on the back from seniors Addy Benjamin and Tobi Robinson for earning the 26th and final point of the third set.