Delmar varsity girls’ soccer team has big turnover, returns several players

The Delmar varsity girls’ soccer team lost nine players from last year’s team, which went 5-1 in the South and 13-3-1 overall, including seven starters. Despite the loss of the graduates, the team returns many players and is young.

The Wildcats have six or seven freshmen this season. “Although it’s a young team, they’re still relatively experienced,” said Delmar head coach Casey Bellamy.

Gone from last year’s team are Lily Baker, Mack Carroll, Hannah Riggins, Miley Smith, Anabel Contreras, Danika Ford, Alexa Joudrey, and Sophia White.

The returning players include seniors Alondra Galvan (Mid) and Rylin Nichols (Fwd); Xavier Brawner (Fwd), Hannah Le (Fwd), Ava Miller (Fwd), Abby Neal (Fwd), and Izzy Powell (Def); sophomores Cadence Campbell (Mid) and Zeny Hatton (Def); and freshmen Brynn Baker (Def), Ava Reid (Fwd), Ryen Senkbeil (Mid), and Katerina White (Mid).

“A lot of us play travel ball. Even though we’re young, we’re looking pretty good,” said Nichols.

“(We want to) play our best and with confidence and enjoy as much as possible,” Contreras said.

Nichols has been with the team all five years Bellamy has coached it while Reid was an all-conference player as an eighth grader last year. Bellamy is looking for the returning players to lead by example.

Among the newcomers are juniors Madison Bose (GK), Mia Robinson (GK), and Jayden Bose (Defense) and freshmen Ella Neal (Defense) and Bella Beach (Defense). 

In the past, the Wildcats have competed for the South title with Sussex Academy and Indian River. Bellamy is looking for his team to once again be competitive and make the state tournament.

“I expect it (South) to be competitive across the board,” said Bellamy.