Cape Henlopen closes near-perfect season with state field hockey title

FredERICA – Cape Henlopen claimed its rightful place in the Division I state field hockey finals with an unconquerable performance. The Vikings dominated the competition, as they had throughout the season, winning their 13th state championship and securing their 19-0 record. After a loss in overtime last year to Smyrna, Cape had vowed to perform at their best and deliver a strong finish to their season.

Senior Atia Sabbagh reflected on the team's aspirations, emphasizing the importance of remaining humble and sticking to their game plan. The Vikings had outscored their opponents 124-1, a feat that left their coach, Kate Austin, impressed. Austin highlighted the team's ability to balance their relentless pursuit of excellence with the enjoyment of the game, something they consistently emphasized before stepping onto the field.

With seven goals in the championship game, the Vikings secured a 7-0 victory over Milford, ending the Buccaneers' run in a tournament that had seen them ascend from the 6th seed to the finals. The seven goals scored by Cape were one shy of the tournament record set by Delmar in the 2021 Division II final.

Senior Emily Wells echoed the sentiment, stating that the motivation for this victory stemmed from last year's loss to Smyrna. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to be part of this historic season, as well as her pride in playing alongside her best friends. The game began with Cape scoring two goals just six minutes into play, setting the tone for their dominant display.

The team continued to assert their dominance throughout the match, ultimately securing the title with a final goal in the final period by Wells.