The ALA – Gilbert North Eagles (26-11, Gilbert, AZ) will face the Salpointe Catholic Lancers (27-10, Tucson, AZ) in a neutral-site playoff match on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Volleyball
Who: ALA – Gilbert North vs Salpointe Catholic
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A
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Game preview: ALA – Gilbert North vs Salpointe Catholic

As the volleyball season heats up, the clash between Salpointe Catholic and ALA – Gilbert North promises to be a thrilling encounter. Set for November 12, 2024, at 6:30 PM, this non-conference, neutral playoff match is expected to bring the intensity. Both teams have impressive records, but there are key differences that will make this an exciting competition.

Team Overview:

• Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, AZ):
  • Overall: 27-10
  • Section: 7-1
  • Home Record: 14-0
  • Away Record: 8-1
  • Neutral Record: 5-9
  • Win %: .730
  • Section %: .875
  • Wins: 77
  • Losses: 25
• ALA – Gilbert North (Gilbert, AZ):
  • Overall: 26-11
  • Section: 9-2
  • Home Record: 7-2
  • Away Record: 5-5
  • Neutral Record: 14-4
  • Win %: .703
  • Section %: .818
  • Wins: 71
  • Losses: 37

Despite Salpointe Catholic’s slightly better overall win percentage, ALA – Gilbert North has shown resilience, particularly in neutral-site matches, where they’ve posted a 14-4 record.

Scoring Averages:

Both teams have formidable offensive capabilities, but Salpointe Catholic edges out slightly in terms of scoring consistency across sets:

• Salpointe Catholic:
  • Set 1: 23.7
  • Set 2: 23.7
  • Set 3: 21.8
  • Set 4: 20.3
  • Set 5: 15.0
  • Wins: 2.1
• ALA – Gilbert North:
  • Set 1: 22.6
  • Set 2: 23.2
  • Set 3: 20.4
  • Set 4: 22.6
  • Set 5: 14.5
  • Wins: 1.9

Salpointe Catholic’s consistency in the first two sets, with scores averaging in the low 20s, suggests a strong start in matches. ALA – Gilbert North, while slightly more variable, maintains strong scoring throughout all sets.

Head-to-Head Comparison:

The head-to-head stats reveal key players for both sides, with Salpointe Catholic’s Ashlyn Quiri leading the team in multiple categories: 231 kills, 47 serving aces, and 224 digs. She has been a dominant force all season. ALA – Gilbert North’s Kristyn Grantham, on the other hand, leads her team with 448 kills and contributes 81 serving aces.

In terms of defense, Kate Christiansen of ALA – Gilbert North shines with 78 blocks, compared to Salpointe’s Mia Bartfalvi with 42 total blocks. The defensive battle in the net will be crucial, as both teams have strong attackers who rely on consistent support from the backline.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced some of the same rivals, providing insight into how they might perform against each other:

• Salpointe Catholic defeated Eastmark, Mica Mountain, and Ironwood Ridge, while ALA – Gilbert North lost to Eastmark and Ironwood Ridge but triumphed over Mica Mountain.
• Both teams lost to Notre Dame Prep, but Salpointe Catholic managed to win more consistently in other matchups.

What to Expect:

• Salpointe Catholic:
  The team has been dominant at home, winning every match played on their own court. However, their performance on neutral ground has been more mixed. Salpointe’s consistency in serving and receiving, led by Quiri, gives them a slight edge in ball control. Their offensive firepower and disciplined play make them a dangerous opponent.
• ALA – Gilbert North:
  Despite being the underdog in overall performance, ALA – Gilbert North has excelled in neutral-site matches, and their 14-4 record in such settings shows they are capable of pulling off surprises. With players like Grantham and Christiansen stepping up in crucial moments, the Eagles will be looking to turn their experience into a winning edge.

The Final Word:

As both teams enter this important match, it’s clear that while Salpointe Catholic has the advantage in overall performance, ALA – Gilbert North’s mix of experience and neutral-court success makes them a formidable opponent. With key players on both sides, fans can expect a high-energy match that could go either way.

The game kicks off at 6:30 PM on November 12, 2024, and promises to be one of the more exciting matchups of the volleyball season. Don’t miss it!