Middletown repeats, Caravel returns to the summit in Delaware High School girls state finals

An early goal from star forward Gabby Riley was all Middletown needed to defeat their crosstown rivals for the second straight year and Caravel Academy was able to re-establish themselves as a girls soccer powerhouse in Delaware in state finals played Saturday at Cape Henlopen High School.

Riley, a University of Delaware-bound senior, was played into goal in the 4th minute by Lily Holcroft and showing her grit she was able to get the ball past Appo goalkeeper Emerson Brooks on a 50-50 challenge for the ball. Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah McFarland and the back line were able to keep the Jaguars in check the rest of the way for the 1-0 win. The title was the Cavaliers’ second straight and third overall (they first won it in 2017).

Ninth-grader Sydney Hayden’s left foot accounted for two goals and senior Anayah Price had the game-winner to lead Caravel to the program’s 7th state title and first since 2021 with a 3-1 win over Ursuline Academy. Zoe Carberry scored a goal from distance to cut into the 3-0 lead but it was too little too late for the 8th seed to spring another upset.

Gabby Riley capped her high school career scoring the lone goal early in the DIAA Division 1 final between Middletown and Appoquinimink.

It’s Middletown’s second straight state title and second straight win over their crosstown rivals in the final. @PrepSoccer pic.twitter.com/s54xS3k9Wj

— Matt Ralph (@MattRalph_) June 2, 2024

Sidney Hayden (2027 grad) had a brace to lead Caravel Academy to a DIAA Division 2 state title today with a 3-1 win over Ursuline Academy. @PrepSoccer pic.twitter.com/uejUvOs3IG

— Matt Ralph (@MattRalph_) June 2, 2024