By Andy Walter

DOVER — For girls’ volleyball’s entire history in the state, the state tournament has been an uphill climb for downstate schools.

Only one Henlopen Conference program has even made it as far as the state semifinals.

But things are a little different this fall.

When the DIAA announced the state tourney bracket was announced on Sunday, Smyrna High received the top seed, in what is probably an unprecedented accolplishment for a Henlopen Conference squad.

And Delmarva Christian is right behind the Eagles as a total of six downstate teams are in the 24-team bracket.

Seventh-seeded Caesar Rodney also received a first-round bye as one of the top eight seeds in the field.

The tournament begins on Wednesday and Thursday with games starting at 6:30 p.m. at the higher seed.

On Wednesday, Henlopen South champion Indian River (10-6), the 15th seed, will host No. 18 Padua (5-10). On Thursday, No. 13 Cape Henlopen (10-5) will host No. 20 Dover (8-7).

The second round will be held on Friday and Saturday with matches at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday, Caesar Rodney (11-4) will host the winner of the match between No. 10 Red Lion Christian and No. 23 M.O.T. while Delmarva Christian (13-2) will host Indian River or Padua.

On Saturday, Smyrna hosts either No. 16 Delaware Military or No. 17 Dickinson.

Smyrna, the North champion, beat IR for its fifth Henlopen title on Saturday. Earlier this year, the Eagles snapped St. Mark’s 42-match winning streak.
Smyrna’s only loss this season was to Caravel.

VOLLEYBALL

DIAA State tournament

Matches start at 6:30 p.m.

First round

Wednesday, Nov. 2

18-Padua (5-10) at 15-Indian River (10-6)

23-M.O.T. Charter (9-6) at 10-Red Lion Christian (9-6)

19-Ursuline (6-9) at 14-Tatnall (9-6)

22-St. Georges (9-6) at 11-Appoquinimink (10-5)

Thursday, Nov. 3

17-Dickinson (12-3) at 16-Delaware Military (9-6)

24-Brandywine (9-6) at 9-Tower Hill (13-2)

20-Dover (8-7) at 13-Cape Henlopen (10-5)

21-Wilmington Charter (8-7) at 12-Middletown (11-4)

Second round

Friday, Nov. 4

Indian River/Padua at 2-Delmarva Christian (13-2)

Red Lion/M.O.T. Charter at 7-Caesar Rodney (11-4)

Ursuline/Tatnall at 3-St. Mark's (14-1)

St. Georges/Appoquinimink at 6-Newark Charter (13-2)

Saturday, Nov. 5

Dickinson/DMA at 1-Smyrna (14-1)

Tower Hill/Brandywine at 8-Concord (12-3)

Cape Henlopen/Dover at 4-Archmere (12-3)

Middletown/Wilm. Charter at 5-Caravel (11-4)

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, Nov. 8

Times TBD

At St. Mark's

At St. Elizabeth

Semifinals

Thursday, Nov. 10

Times TBD

At St. Mark's

Finals

Monday, Nov. 14

At Carpenter Center
Third-place match, 5:30 p.m.,
Finals, 6:30 p.m.

Sports editor Andy Walter can be reached at 302-741-8227 or walter@iniusa.org. Follow on Twitter at @DSNSports.