The Brandon Valley (Brandon, SD) varsity volleyball team will host a home playoff match against Aberdeen Central (Aberdeen, SD) today at 11 a.m. This game is part of the 2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets for the 2024 Class AA State Tournament in South Dakota.

Aberdeen Central vs Brandon Valley Volleyball Game Info:

What: South Dakota High School Girls Volleyball
Who: Aberdeen Central vs Brandon Valley
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 11 a.m.
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Game preview: Aberdeen Central vs Brandon Valley

The highly anticipated volleyball playoff matchup between Aberdeen Central and Brandon Valley is set to take place today at 11:00 AM in Brandon, SD. Both teams have had solid seasons, and with their playoff lives on the line, it’s expected to be a thrilling contest.

Team Records & Rankings

Aberdeen Central (13-10 overall, 10-7 region) enters the game with a respectable record, bolstered by a solid win percentage of .565. The team has demonstrated a competitive edge both at home and on the road, with a strong 7-6 away record. Their ranking in the state is solid, and they are looking to extend their playoff run.

Brandon Valley (17-13 overall, 9-8 region) has also had a strong season, finishing with a win percentage of .567. They’ve had a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to away games (5-6), but they’ve demonstrated resilience, especially in neutral-site matchups, boasting a 5-5 record. Their playoff experience could give them the edge in this high-stakes contest.

Head-to-Head Results

These two teams faced off on October 3rd, where Aberdeen Central emerged victorious in a dominant 3-0 sweep. The match was a hard-fought battle, with Aberdeen Central winning the first set 26-24, edging out Brandon Valley in the second set 25-13, and closing out the match with a 25-15 victory in the third set.

Despite their earlier loss, Brandon Valley will be looking to rebound in this crucial playoff game, where anything can happen. The team’s resilience and determination will be key as they try to avenge their previous defeat.

Key Players to Watch

For Aberdeen Central, look for Lauryn Burckhard to lead the charge offensively. With 271 kills, she’s been a standout this season. Taylin Kleffman has also been crucial, contributing 305 digs, 414 receptions, and 28 serving aces. Her all-around play will be pivotal in this matchup.

On the other side, Brandon Valley is led by Jayaunna Stroh, who has 280 kills this season, and Ashley Ertelt, who has contributed 69 total blocks. Defensively, Mya Vanwesten is a key player, with a team-leading 357 digs, while Logan Mcguire has provided a spark with 43 serving aces.

Both teams feature well-rounded rosters, and individual efforts from these leaders could make the difference.

Statistical Breakdown

While both teams are evenly matched in many areas, Brandon Valley has a slight edge in several categories, including total kills (827 to Aberdeen Central’s 726) and serving aces (165 to 145). However, Aberdeen Central has an advantage in the assist category, with 628 compared to Brandon Valley’s 796. Both teams have a strong defensive presence, with Aberdeen Central leading in total digs (1209) but Brandon Valley close behind at 1063.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against some of the same opponents during the season, and the results have been fairly similar. Aberdeen Central holds a 12-10 record against common opponents, while Brandon Valley has a 15-11 record. Notable common opponents include Stevens, where both teams scored victories, and Harrisburg, where both teams faced losses.

What to Expect

With both teams bringing impressive records into the game, the match is expected to be an intense, high-paced battle. The Brandon Valley squad will be looking to avenge their previous loss to Aberdeen Central, while the Aberdeen Central team aims to continue its dominance.

The match will come down to which team can execute better in key moments, particularly with the serve receive and defense. The team that can manage their side-out game and minimize unforced errors will have a significant advantage.

As the playoff race heats up, expect both teams to give it their all, leaving everything on the court in this highly anticipated showdown.

Game Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Brandon Valley High School Gym, Brandon, SD