The Bellingham (MA) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral-site playoff match against Ipswich (MA) today at 1:30 PM. This game is part of the 2024 Massachusetts Girls Volleyball State Tournament – Division 4.

Bellingham vs Ipswich Volleyball Game Info:

What: Massachusetts High School Volleyball
Who: Bellingham vs Ipswich
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 Massachusetts Girls Volleyball State Tournament – Division 4
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Bellingham vs Ipswich

As the 2024-2025 volleyball season heats up, two teams have emerged as the standout powerhouses in Massachusetts high school volleyball: Ipswich and Bellingham. Both squads boast impressive records and statistics, setting the stage for an exciting showdown when these teams eventually meet. Here’s a breakdown of their season performances, key players, and notable statistics.

Unbeaten Ipswich: A Perfect Record

Ipswich enters the season with a flawless 22-0 overall record, and they’ve proven their dominance in both league and non-league play. Their league record stands at an impressive 14-0, with a perfect home record of 11-0 and a strong 8-0 mark on the road. With a 1.000 win percentage across the board, Ipswich has been nearly unstoppable, including a perfect 3-0 record in neutral site matches. Their impressive win streak has made them the team to watch, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.

Notable individual performances have been key to their success. Senior standout Claire Buletza has led the team in multiple categories, including kills (263), serving aces (73), digs (207), and receptions (320). Buletza has proven to be a dynamic force both at the net and on the back line, helping her team maintain their flawless record. Other contributors include Alexandra Marino, who leads the team in assists with 518, and Addison Pillis, who provides vital contributions in blocking with 54 total blocks.

Bellingham: A Strong Contender

While Ipswich has enjoyed a perfect record, Bellingham has also shown incredible resilience with a 20-3 overall record. Their league record stands at 11-3, and while they’ve suffered a few losses, they have still managed to dominate at home with a 12-0 mark. Bellingham’s away record is also solid at 7-3, and they have performed admirably in neutral-site games with a 1-0 record.

Bellingham’s offensive capabilities are spearheaded by Mia Milani, who has totaled 249 kills and 86 serving aces, both of which rank her among the top players in the state. Sophomore Sophia Soto has been an anchor for Bellingham’s defense, leading the team with 359 digs and 578 receptions, numbers that place her at the top of the state leaderboard. Setter Jacobi Houston has contributed 378 assists, fueling the team’s offensive flow.

Statistical Breakdown: Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Strength

When comparing team statistics, Ipswich and Bellingham show some interesting differences in their playing styles. Ipswich has accumulated 685 kills compared to Bellingham’s 812, suggesting that while Ipswich is efficient, Bellingham might have a more potent attacking offense. In terms of serving, Ipswich trails slightly in total aces, with 273 compared to Bellingham’s 341.

Defensively, Ipswich has 732 digs, while Bellingham leads with a total of 1086, showcasing their strong back-row play and ability to control rallies. Bellingham also holds the advantage in receptions, with 1250 compared to Ipswich’s 863, indicating a solid defensive foundation that supports their offense.

Key Matchup Breakdown

Looking ahead to a potential matchup between these two teams, both squads have been highly successful across various areas of the game. Ipswich’s perfect season is built on their balanced approach, with contributions from all players. On the other hand, Bellingham’s success hinges on stellar performances from key players like Milani, Soto, and Callery, who have been able to carry the team through tough matches.

• Ipswich has a commanding advantage in consistency across all areas, with standout players like Buletza and Marino playing pivotal roles in their perfect record.
• Bellingham, however, offers depth in both offense and defense, particularly with Milani’s scoring and Soto’s defensive prowess, which could be key in shutting down Ipswich’s attacking power.

As the season progresses, both teams will be aiming to carry their momentum into the playoffs. If they meet, it will be a thrilling encounter between a flawless Ipswich team and a determined Bellingham squad. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: these two teams are among the best in Massachusetts volleyball, and fans can expect a high-stakes showdown filled with intensity, skill, and drama.