Cape volleyball wins Henlopen Conference Championship

The Cape Henlopen girls’ volleyball team is the 2024 Henlopen Conference champion. Shown in back are (l-r) assistant coaches George Celia, Pam Coupe, Rachael Smith and Vince Failla; players Mia Gordon, Amalia Fruchtman, Rylee Ockels, Brielle Ross, McKenzie Everson, Camilla Willis, Harper Mamele and Kayle Sockriter; coach Rileigh Hudock; and head coach Tyler Coupe. In front are manager Elle Nauman and players Amara Fruchtman, Emme Smith, Mallory Terhune, Dilyla Rohls and Ava Calciano. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

October 29, 2024

The Cape girls’ volleyball team defeated Lake Forest 3-1 Oct. 28, to win the Henlopen Conference Championship.

Just 13 points separated the two teams in the first three sets. Cape took the first set 25-20, but Lake came right back to garner a 25-23 win in the second. The Vikings grabbed the third 25-20. The fourth set displayed the Vikings’ command of the match with a no-doubt dominating effort for a 25-11 victory over the Spartans.

Amalia Fruchtman and Harper Mamele pounded 20 kills each to lead the Vikings at the net. Camilla Willis and Ava Calciano teamed for 21 kills. Senior setter Emme Smith spread the ball around and added 59 assists to bring her total to 442 on the season. Sophomore libero Amara Fruchtman bumped 18 digs.

“We’ve really worked hard toward this title,” said an ecstatic Smith. “We try to get 10% better each day, and I am so happy it has paid off. Energy is a big part in this game, and I think we had it tonight.”

“After falling in the second set, we had to pull through and fix our mistakes from it,” said senior hitter Calciano. “I think we did that. We were positive, and took it and ran with it in the fourth. That was our goal and we did it.”

“It means so much for us to get the win,” said senior Brielle Ross. “We’ve never experienced this. It’s a big step up to help the program grow.”

“Winning the conference is a great testament to the work this group of 13 athletes has put together,” said Cape head coach Tyler Coupe. “We have a really good, balanced team this year where we are not just offensive only or defensive only; we are a good combo of the two. We’ve taken advantage of good things that have come our way.”

Coupe said the title is much deserved.

“We didn’t play all that clean in sets one, two and part of three. Set four was more of a testament of who we are,” he said. “We served at a high rate. We aren’t acing anyone off the court, but we’re putting pressure on them. Our offense is really diverse. Until they can stop you, why change what’s working?”