The Arizona Lutheran Academy (Phoenix, AZ) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral playoff match against Phoenix Country Day (Paradise Valley, AZ) today at 5:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 2A tournament.

Arizona Lutheran Academy vs Phoenix Country Day Volleyball Game Info:

What: Arizona High School Volleyball
Who: Arizona Lutheran Academy vs Phoenix Country Day
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 2A
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Game preview: Arizona Lutheran Academy vs Phoenix Country Day

As the Arizona volleyball season heats up, two powerhouse teams—Phoenix Country Day and Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA)—are showcasing their exceptional skills, with both teams setting high standards in the competitive league. The two schools have faced off this season in a series of thrilling matches, with Phoenix Country Day emerging victorious in their most recent encounter. Here’s a breakdown of their season performance and what to expect from this highly anticipated volleyball rivalry.

Team Overview

Phoenix Country Day has been dominant throughout the 2024-2025 season, boasting an impressive 19-4 overall record and an undefeated 8-0 record in league play. This performance is reflected in their perfect record at home (11-0) and their solid away performance (7-1), with a .826 win percentage overall. The team excels with an aggressive offensive strategy, averaging 22.3 points per set in their first four sets and a solid 2.5 wins per match.

On the other hand, Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA) has posted a strong 30-12 overall record, with a 7-1 record in league play. Though their league record isn’t as flawless as Phoenix Country Day’s, they have shown resilience, especially in close matchups. Their .714 win percentage and .875 section win percentage highlight their competitive nature. The team averages 21.7 points per set in the early part of the season and 2.0 wins per match.

Head-to-Head Battle

The most recent head-to-head match between these two teams occurred on October 2, 2024, when Phoenix Country Day triumphed over Arizona Lutheran Academy with a 3-0 sweep. The match was decisive, with Phoenix Country Day dominating across all three sets (25-12, 25-21, 25-22). ALA struggled to keep pace with the Phoenix team, particularly in the first and second sets, where Country Day’s offense proved too much to handle.

Key Players to Watch

Phoenix Country Day has a number of standout players, including Abbie Palm, who leads the team with 256 kills and 88 serving aces, making her a formidable force on both offense and defense. Additionally, Emma Drexler has been a standout in the backcourt with 559 digs, while Emma Ohm contributes greatly with 378 assists. These players help anchor the team’s well-rounded game.

For Arizona Lutheran Academy, the key players include 52 kills from their top hitter and solid defensive performances from Emma Drexler (559 digs). Despite the loss to Phoenix Country Day, ALA has shown strength in matches against other top teams, including Chandler Prep, where they pulled off a 3-2 win.

Team Stats Comparison

• Phoenix Country Day has totaled 1209 kills and 406 serving aces, showcasing their dynamic attack and serving prowess. Additionally, their defense is equally strong, with 1622 digs and 1100 assists.
• Arizona Lutheran Academy, while trailing in kills with 85 assists and 42 kills, still maintains strong offensive momentum with 127 total blocks, showcasing their defense-first mentality. Their serving game is also noteworthy with 16 serving aces.

Record Breakdown

• Phoenix Country Day has been particularly dominant in in-state matchups, going 19-4 overall, including a 10-1 record against common opponents, showing their strength in competitive Arizona volleyball.
• Arizona Lutheran Academy, while also performing strongly, holds a 30-12 overall record with an impressive 12-3 record against common opponents. Their 7-1 league record positions them as a major contender for the playoffs.

Upcoming Matches and Playoffs

The two teams are set to meet again in a crucial neutral-site playoff match later today, which will be a test of ALA’s ability to bounce back from their previous loss. With both teams excelling in different aspects of the game, it will be a thrilling contest to determine which school advances further in the state playoffs.

Overall, both Phoenix Country Day and Arizona Lutheran Academy have proven themselves to be forces in Arizona volleyball, and their rivalry is one to watch as the season progresses. As both teams continue their strong performances, expect high-level play and intense competition from these two outstanding schools.