Seahawks defend nest from invading Blue Jays in girls’ volleyball
Sussex Academy volleyball may be a little protective of its 2023 Henlopen South title.
Flying to a 3-0 win over Seaford Sept. 26, the Seahawks have begun division play undefeated (3-0) and have yet to lose a set to South opponents.
Seaford made it a nail-biter in the first set, but Sussex Academy pulled through 25-22 to keep the streak intact.
“Getting into the rhythm of competing and being confident in what we were doing definitely helped and picked up in the second and third set,” Seahawks coach Hailee Gooch said. “I thought our setting definitely improved throughout. We started to make the smart plays; our hitters were being aggressive and physical at the net. And our defense, Savannah [Montgomery] specifically, was on it, per usual.”
Gooch noted confidence is an area the team is working to improve in after a few tough losses to Henlopen North opponents, and the final two sets showcased what Sussex Academy looks like with a little swagger.
“We have a lot of talent at the net and offense to be physical, as you can see with Maya [Hastings], Grayce [Glover]; and our defense is very, very strong, but it's that mental aspect of getting their confidence there to play that to their full potential,” Gooch said.
The girls soared in the second set, nearly doubling up Seaford 25-13, and sealed the victory with a dominating 25-9 win in the final set.
“Final two sets, we just focused on our energy, doing what we can to play our game,” Montgomery said.
Leading the back row, Montgomery helped anchor the Seahawks’ serve-receive to limit Seaford’s ability to score on serves and kills.
“We talk well, and it shows in our game,” Montgomery said.
Following the victory, a jubilant Sussex Academy team celebrated the birthday of junior Ellie Merrick.
“It's obviously a great feeling, but it's on to the next,” Gooch said. “We have a big match on Tuesday against IR, which the girls are really looking forward to.”
Indian River, like the Seahawks, is undefeated against Henlopen South opponents so far this year and has yet to concede a set within the division. The Tuesday, Oct. 1 match at Sussex Academy could serve as the Henlopen South title game.
Sussex Academy (3-4) has a chance to get back to .500 for the first time this season with a win.
“We just hope to grow on this and continue with that energy,” Montgomery said.
The first serve is set for 5:30 p.m.
