The Benet Academy (Lisle, IL) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral-site playoff match against Marist (Chicago, IL) today at 8:55 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A tournament.
Benet Academy vs Marist Volleyball Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Volleyball
Who: Benet Academy vs Marist
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 8:55 PM
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Benet Academy vs Marist
In a highly anticipated matchup, the volleyball teams of Marist and Benet Academy face off in a neutral playoff contest tonight, as both schools have enjoyed impressive seasons in 2024-25. This game is not only a battle between two of Illinois’ top volleyball programs but also a clash of contrasting styles and achievements.
Season Records and Rankings
Marist enters the match with a strong 30-9 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play, placing them 21st in the national rankings and 3rd in Illinois. Their season has been characterized by consistency, including a solid performance at home (8-5) and on the road (5-2), with an impressive win percentage of .769.
On the other hand, Benet Academy has been nearly flawless, posting a stellar 40-1 record overall, with an unblemished 6-0 record in conference play. Ranked 5th nationally and 1st in Illinois, the Redwings have dominated their opponents, boasting a win percentage of .976. Their away performance has been nearly perfect, with a 9-1 record, and they’ve maintained their undefeated streak on neutral courts (22-0).
Team Scoring Averages
Both teams have displayed potent offenses, though Benet Academy has consistently outperformed Marist in terms of scoring. Benet averages 25.0 points per set in wins, while Marist scores 23.9 points per set in victories. However, in the postseason, both teams have shown resilience, with Benet averaging 23.0 points per set in the playoffs, slightly ahead of Marist’s 21.1 points.
Recent Head-to-Head Matchup
Benet Academy claimed victory in their most recent meeting, a dominant 2-0 win over Marist on October 8. The match saw Benet Academy win 25-18, 25-16, with Marist struggling to keep up against their high-powered opponent. This victory adds to Benet’s already impressive resume, further solidifying their claim as the top team in Illinois.
Common Opponents
Both Marist and Benet Academy have faced several common opponents this season, with both teams showcasing their dominance in these matchups. Notably, both teams defeated Wheaton-Warrenville South, with Marist winning 2-0 on August 28, and Benet Academy also securing a 2-0 victory against them on September 21. However, Marist encountered tougher challenges against teams like Lincoln-Way East and Mother McAuley, suffering losses in both instances, while Benet Academy remained undefeated in these matchups.
One of the standout trends is Benet’s impeccable performance in conference play. They have swept their league opponents, going 6-0, while Marist has been more vulnerable in their league games, finishing 5-1. Benet’s dominance in their conference is reflected in their overall 1.000 conference win percentage, compared to Marist’s .833.
The Playoff Factor
As both teams enter this neutral-site playoff game, their records speak volumes. Marist’s 5-0 playoff record this season is impressive, but it is dwarfed by Benet Academy’s perfect 6-0 postseason run. Benet has demonstrated that they are not only capable of handling regular-season pressure but are also a force to be reckoned with when the stakes are highest.
Marist will need to step up their game to overcome the well-oiled machine that is Benet Academy. Their performance tonight will be crucial, as they look to bounce back from their earlier loss and prove they can contend with the best in Illinois.
Conclusion
Tonight’s match promises to be an exciting showdown between two elite programs. Benet Academy’s near-perfect season and potent offense make them the favorites, but Marist’s resilience and playoff experience could make this a closer contest than expected. As both teams gear up for the intense competition ahead, volleyball fans can expect an unforgettable match.
