Sussex Academy field hockey invited a few neighbors and some long-distance friends to Georgetown for a play day Aug. 23.

The Seahawks got off to a good start, upending a traditionally strong Saint Mark’s team to start the day before dispatching Polytech.

Sussex Academy has Henlopen South title ambitions and would like to knock off Delmar from the throne, but Indian River’s squad proved it’s also interested in reigning over the division.

Seahawks coach Caitlyn Hardy was impressed with the IR squad, and when the two teams get together Thursday, Oct. 16, when it counts, it could be a must-see matchup.

Sussex Academy rounded out the day by defeating Sussex Central and Caesar Rodney to end a productive play day for the Seahawks.

A young Delmarva Christian team had an impressive showing, keeping things close against Saint Mark’s, besting Sussex Central in a short game and upending Polytech to end the day. 

The girls will use that confidence as they embark on a schedule that includes Polytech, Seaford, Lake Forest and Laurel. The small-school Royals relish the chance to compete with public schools a bit larger than themselves. 

The Seahawks open up their regular season with an away game at Woodbridge at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, while the Royals welcome their rival Tome School at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 5.

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