Volleyball Swings Into States

The Lady Royals volleyball team battled their way into the Delaware State Tournament for the second time in the school’s short history, after compiling a 10-5 record.

Led by a tandem of upper class captains and bolstered by an infusion of freshman talent, the Lady Royals put up a gallant effort against Wilmington Charter Saturday, Nov. 7, capping a season of highlights.

“It feels awesome to have accomplished the goals we set,” said Senior Co-Captain Emily Pentoney. “Going to the states was a good experience for the freshmen; they got to see what it was like, so they can prepare to fill the gap next year.”

“God has blessed us with a lot of talent, and our coach has refined it,” said Mallorie Parsons, Junior Co-Captain. “It was so exciting, especially compared to last year (when the team went 3-13). “Now that we’ve all had time to work together, I want to go even further next year, and in all we do, glorify God.”

“The team made the State tourney by focusing on their three goals,” said Coach Jim Berger: “glorifying God in all we do, staying unified, and making the State tourney.”

Coach Berger said that his players try very hard to take what they learn in practice and apply it to the game. “Our squad is beginning to shift from a team that likes playing volleyball to a team that is dedicated to volleyball and each other.”

He said that the team’s high points in 2009 were his players dropping to their knees to pray for an injured St. Thomas Moore player; a win over Smyrna during that team’s Senior Night, and a win against a Red Lion team that was composed of 10 seniors.

“At that point in our season, we had no idea how big of a win that was for our program; that victory was critical in propelling us into the State tourney,” Coach Berger said.

“It was thanks to Mr. Berger’s coaching skills that we were able to achieve what we set out to do: go to the States,” said Junior Jordyn Gum.

“All the freshmen played a lot under Coach Berger in middle school at Epworth,” said Junior Liz Bivens. “It was good to see them step up and put up with some of us who haven’t had so much experience.”

Coach Berger and all his returning players look forward to building on that experience next year.