After sweltering through practices for much of August, high school sports teams throughout the Diocese of Wilmington get back to the games that count in the standings as the fall season gets going in earnest. A few football games last week provided a taste of what’s in store over the next nine months.
High school athletics in Maryland has a slight head start on its neighbor, so Ss. Peter and Paul will put its brand-new volleyball program first, traveling to St. Mary’s (Md.) on Tuesday before hosting its initial home match the next afternoon. Delaware’s teams begin on Wednesday.
Since it’s the first week, here’s a reminder that all outdoor games are subject to the weather. Also, it’s always a good idea to make sure the game is still on or that the start time has not been changed before heading out.
All records this week are 0-0.
Girls
Field hockey
Wednesday
Concord at Archmere, 3:45 p.m. The Auks return ?? after a 13-4 season in 2021 that included a run to the DIAA Division II semifinals. Seven seniors are on the roster, including six who are four-year varsity players. They are Lindsey Renshaw, Emma Gioffre, Bella Dell’Oso, Ally Rubach, Brynn Bastian-Pastore and Rebecca Olsen. The seventh, Jennifer Mineo, is entering her third year on the varsity.
Saint Mark’s at Ursuline, 3:45 p.m. These rivals are scheduled to open and close the season against one another. The Spartans were 9-6-1 last season, earning a spot in the state tournament. They are a young squad, with 11 freshmen and sophomores on the roster. The Raiders are coming off a 5-9-1 campaign in 2021, but hopes are high with a veteran roster that includes 14 seniors.
St. Mary’s at Ss. Peter and Paul, 4 p.m. It was a very successful 2021 for Ss. Peter and Paul. The Sabres went 11-4, losing in the championship game of the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference.
Friday
Saint Mark’s vs. St. Elizabeth, 3:45 p.m. at Hockessin Montessori School. The Vikings have a new coach in Haley Will and assistant in James Pascoe, as they look to build on a 3-11 season in 2021. Seniors Alyssa Pope and Jessica Shields lead the way, with sophomore Maddison Shields and junior Mackenzie Hilferty offering key support.
Smyrna vs. Padua, 4 p.m. at Chase Fieldhouse. The Pandas earned a berth in the eight-team Division I state tournament last season, falling in the first round to finish 7-8-1. Seniors Ava Getty, Maddie Mosier and Olivia Shimp lead the way for the Pandas, who again play one of the more challenging schedules in the state, including games against both of Delaware’s premier teams, Cape Henlopen and Delmar.
Glenelg Country School at Ss. Peter and Paul, 4 p.m.
Sussex Central at Ursuline, 4 p.m.
Volleyball (previews coming separately)
Tuesday
Ss. Peter and Paul at St. Mary’s, 4 p.m. See related story.
Wednesday
St. Elizabeth at Glasgow, 4:45 p.m.
Worcester Prep at Ss. Peter and Paul, 5 p.m.
Thursday
Archmere at Smyrna, 6:30 p.m. The Auks and Eagles provide a top-10 battle right out of the gate. Smyrna captured a five-set marathon last year in Claymont.
Friday
Saint Mark’s at Brandywine, 5:30 p.m.
St. Elizabeth at Padua, 7:15 p.m.
Newark at Ursuline, 7:15 p.m.
