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Royals volleyball outplays the Vikings 3-0

Delmarva Christian’s Mia Berger, center, slams a kill past Vikings blockers Angelica Kusen and Katie Knarr. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
September 9, 2019

The Delmarva Christian volleyball squad started out strong, taking a 13-point win in the first set over the Vikings, and never looked back, taking a 3-0 [25-12, 25-22, 25-16] victory at home.

“It was a real big win for us,” said Royals coach Jim Berger. “One of our strategies was to keep our unforced errors down. I think we won that battle tonight.”

Berger credited playing a tough preseason scrimmage weekend at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pa.

“We played some really tough competition up there,” he said. “We had to speed up our eyes and speed up our communication because of how fast the ball was moving. I’m real proud of how the girls moved around the court tonight, and the way they talked was really great. This is probably the loudest teams I’ve had that are committed to communication.”

Delmarva Christian junior libero Grace Fettermnan, who hasn’t played since she was a freshman, led the Royals with 19 digs and an ace. 

“Gracie is a great athlete,” said Berger. “All I can say is, wow.”

“I thought playing volleyball would be a fun experience,” said Fetterman. “Coach put me at libero [defensive specialist], and I’m trying my best to get used to it. I’m having a great time.”

“We all trust each other,’” said Royals senior setter Ashlyn Stonebraker, who had 19 assists in the match. “We all know who is going to get the ball. Our biggest thing is running plays when we get the chance. It gives us an advantage, because it gives them a different look and freezes their blockers. It was a big match for us.”

As the match brought smiles to the faces of the Royals, it brought frowns to the Vikings’ hopefuls.

“I’m not particularly happy with our individual performances nor our team performance,” said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. “I think we played much too timid and made too many routine mistakes. [Delmarva Christian] runs a quicker offense then we’re used to, but I thought our block did a great job slowing it down. As coaches, we’re emphasizing knowing when to terminate or apply pressure. Tonight we failed to execute on that front. Back to our gym on Monday to regroup and prep for another tough week of matches.”
 
Erin Morrissey and Abbey Derrickson led the Vikings with five kills and six assists, respectively.
 
Cape will play Indian River Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Caesar Rodney Thursday, Sept. 12.
 
Delmarva Christian’s Mia Berger, center, slams a kill past Vikings blockers Angelica Kusen and Katie Knarr. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Royals sophomore hitter Sierra Troyer slams a kill in the win over the Vikings.
Cape sophomore Rileigh Wilson puts down a kill.
Bre Kusen bumps a return for the Vikings.
Delmarva Christian’s Olivia Giltner, center, slams a kill on Cape’s Angelica, left, and Bre Kusen.
Cape senior Teaghan Van Brunt sets up a teammate.
Emily Lamb bumps a return while Jocelyn Leach backs her up.
Senior setter Alyssa Whaley bumps a set at the net.
Royals senior Savannah Stewart slams a kill at the net.
Senior Ashlyn Stonebraker bumps a set for the Royals.
Royals libero Grace Fetterman serves an ace.
Cape junior Madison Mahoney serves an ace for the Vikings.
Junior Erin Morrissey splits two Royals blockers.
Royals sophomore Sierra Troyer bumps a return.
Cape senior Abbey Derrickson sets up a teammate at the net.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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