The Bridgeport Indians (51-8-2) varsity volleyball team is set for a neutral-site playoff match against the Hoover Huskies (49-6-1) today. This game is part of the 2024 West Virginia High School Volleyball State Tournament in the Class AAA division.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: Bridgeport vs Hoover
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 West Virginia HS Volleyball State Tournament – Class AAA
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Game preview: Bridgeport vs Hoover

The rivalry between Hoover and Bridgeport is one that consistently captivates volleyball fans across West Virginia. As of the 2024-2025 season, both teams are showing their dominance on the court, posting impressive records and ranking among the best in the state. Let’s dive into a comparison of these two elite teams and their respective achievements this season.

Team Records and Rankings

Hoover has posted an overall record of 49-6-1, with a perfect 6-0 record in their region. Their success is reflected in their win percentage of .884, which is a testament to their consistent performance across both home and away games. At home, they’ve been especially strong with a 30-2 record, while they’ve also excelled on neutral courts (13-3-1).

Bridgeport, on the other hand, has an overall record of 51-8-2 and remains undefeated in their region with a 16-0 record. Their win percentage stands at .852, slightly below Hoover’s, but still a remarkable statistic. At home, Bridgeport has been nearly perfect, with a 16-0 record, and they’ve posted a solid 11-2 record in away games.

Both teams are on an upward trajectory, with Hoover at the forefront of their league and Bridgeport making a strong case as the team to beat this season.

Team Performance Metrics

When it comes to overall team stats, Hoover leads in several key categories:

• Kills: Hoover recorded 1,419 kills, just slightly ahead of Bridgeport’s 1,381.
• Total Blocks: Hoover has a slight edge with 164 total blocks compared to Bridgeport’s 142.
• Serving Aces: Hoover has 411 aces, outpacing Bridgeport’s 390.
• Digs: Hoover’s defensive efforts show up in their 1,894 digs, surpassing Bridgeport’s 1,834.
• Assists and Receptions: Hoover also leads in assists (1,326) and receptions (1,526), but Bridgeport is right behind in both categories with 1,284 assists and 1,484 receptions.

Individual Leaders

Both teams boast standout players who have contributed significantly to their success. For Hoover, Ahaziah Smith leads the team in kills (388) and total blocks (91), while Ashton Henrich has been a key contributor with 112 serving aces. Braelyn Adkins has also been crucial in defense, posting 516 digs, while Lilli Lancaster leads the team in assists with 725.

For Bridgeport, Myleigh Smell is a standout with 588 kills, leading her team in that category. Salam Rajjoub has been a defensive force with 59 blocks and 88 serving aces, while Kaylee Enfield leads the team in digs with 501. Addison Veigel has been impressive in setting up the offense with 655 assists.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, with Hoover and Bridgeport meeting most common opponents head-on. In their shared games against teams like Robert C. Byrd, Oak Glen, Martinsburg, and Shady Spring, both Hoover and Bridgeport have emerged victorious in the majority of matchups. However, Hoover has faced a slightly tougher challenge in some games, including losses to Philip Barbour and Shady Spring—teams that have also challenged Bridgeport.

Despite this, both teams have showcased their resilience and ability to dominate their competition. Hoover has an overall 20-3 record against common opponents, while Bridgeport sits at 26-1, further underscoring the fierce competition between these two teams.

Conclusion

With Hoover’s solid all-around game and Bridgeport’s consistency and dominance, both teams are poised to make deep runs in the postseason. Their head-to-head battles, along with their strong individual performances, promise an exciting remainder of the season. As the competition heats up, it will be fascinating to see how these two teams, both with remarkable records and passionate fanbases, stack up in the state rankings and ultimately in the postseason.

The volleyball rivalry between Hoover and Bridgeport remains one of the most exciting in West Virginia sports, and this season is shaping up to be another memorable chapter.