The Auburn Eagles (25-2) varsity volleyball team, from Riner, VA, will host a playoff match against the Giles Spartans (21-3) from Pearisburg, VA today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region C Tournament for Class 1 in Virginia.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: Auburn vs Giles
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region Brackets (Virginia) – Class 1 Region C
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Game preview: Auburn vs Giles

The rivalry between the Giles and Auburn volleyball teams continues to captivate fans in the 2024-2025 season, as both teams stand out with impressive records and strong performances. This season’s matchups have been thrilling, with each team fighting for dominance in their region and beyond.

Season Overview

As of mid-November, Giles has a solid record of 21-3 overall, including a strong 12-2 in their region. The team’s home performance has been equally dominant, with a 10-2 record, and a near-perfect away performance at 9-1. They maintain an overall win percentage of .875 and a region win percentage of .857.

Auburn, on the other hand, has posted an even more impressive record of 25-2. They have excelled in their league, boasting a 14-2 record, and have dominated on the road with a 17-1 away record. With a win percentage of .926 and a region win percentage of .875, Auburn has proven to be a formidable opponent throughout the season.

Head-to-Head Matches

The two teams have faced off multiple times this season, with each match being crucial for playoff positioning. The first encounter occurred on September 10, 2024, where Auburn claimed a decisive victory with a 3-1 scoreline. The sets were closely contested, with Auburn winning 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, and 25-22.

A few weeks later, on October 3, 2024, Auburn took another win, again with a 3-1 result. The sets were tight, with Auburn edging out Giles 25-23, 26-24, 23-25, and 25-23. However, Giles came back with a vengeance in their most recent encounter on October 30, 2024, when they triumphed 3-1 on the road. The sets went 25-22, 25-19, 20-25, and 27-25, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back in high-pressure situations.

The latest clash is set for November 12, 2024, when Giles travels to Auburn for a playoff showdown at 7 p.m. This match will be pivotal for both teams as they aim for postseason success.

Key Players and Team Stats

Both teams have standout individual performers who have contributed significantly to their success.

• Giles’ Sophie Taylor leads the team with 632 kills, and has been a critical offensive presence for her team. Taylor is also among the leaders in serving aces with 48.
• Izzy Frazier, with 37 total blocks, has been a defensive force, contributing greatly to Giles’ ability to control the net.
• Peyton Evans has been instrumental in the backcourt, recording 387 digs and 529 receptions, proving her value as a reliable passer and setter.
• Kylee Snider, with 820 assists, has orchestrated the offense for Giles, enabling the team’s dynamic attacking strategies.

For Auburn, key contributors include:

• Sophie Taylor (no relation to the Giles player) has been a consistent offensive weapon, although specific statistics are not available in the comparison.
• Auburn’s setters and defensive players are also critical in maintaining their consistent high-level performance, particularly with solid results from their total blocks and aces.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against some of the same opponents, adding another layer of context to their rivalry. Against teams like Grayson County, both squads have posted strong records, with Giles having a 13-0 record against common opponents, while Auburn is 15-1. Notably, both teams have also performed well against Bland County and George Wythe, defeating them in dominant 3-0 matches.

Playoff Implications

With playoff positions on the line, the upcoming match between Giles and Auburn will have significant implications. Both teams have already secured strong postseason positions, but a win in this playoff matchup could provide the momentum necessary for a deep run.

In summary, the rivalry between Giles and Auburn has been one of the most exciting in the 2024 season, with both teams showcasing incredible skill and determination. As the teams face off once more in the upcoming playoff match, fans can expect another thrilling contest between two of Virginia’s best volleyball teams.