The Bruton Panthers (21-5) varsity volleyball team, based in Williamsburg, VA, will host a home playoff match against the Poquoson Islanders (14-12) today at 6 p.m. This match is part of the 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region Brackets (Virginia) – Class 2 Region A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: Bruton vs Poquoson
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region Brackets (Virginia) – Class 2 Region A
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Bruton vs Poquoson

As the postseason heats up, the Poquoson and Bruton volleyball teams are primed for a crucial playoff match today at 6 p.m. The two teams, both competitive in their respective regions, have a lot at stake as they meet once again on the court.

Team Records and Performance

Poquoson (14-12 overall, 9-9 region) enters this matchup with a solid but somewhat inconsistent record. They’ve performed well at home (7-3) but have struggled away from home with a 4-6 record. Despite their .538 win percentage overall, Poquoson has shown promise, particularly in their playoff appearances (2-0 record).

Bruton (21-5 overall, 13-5 region), by contrast, has been one of the top teams in their league, boasting an impressive .808 win percentage. With a dominant home record (12-2) and a solid away performance (6-3), they’ve displayed consistent strength throughout the season. Their 3-0 playoff record further underlines their readiness for the postseason.

Head-to-Head: A Split Decision

In their two previous meetings this season, both teams have claimed a victory, suggesting this will be a tightly contested playoff match. On September 19, Poquoson triumphed 3-1, winning three of the four sets by a narrow margin. However, Bruton bounced back in their October 22 matchup, winning 3-2 in a hard-fought battle.

These results demonstrate the competitive nature of the rivalry between the two schools. Poquoson’s ability to secure a decisive win in their earlier meeting, combined with Bruton’s resilience in the second meeting, means that both teams will likely be at the top of their game in this playoff matchup.

Statistical Breakdown

Both teams have been strong on offense, with Poquoson scoring an average of 22.0 to 23.5 points per set, while Bruton averages a similar range of 22.4 to 23.5. Notably, Poquoson has relied heavily on their standout player, Jolie Faw, who leads the team with 182 kills, 93 total blocks, and 69 serving aces. On the other side, Bruton’s roster is led by a solid group of players, including the versatile and dynamic forces in their lineup.

While Poquoson’s Cassie Hall is a standout in digs with 244, Bruton’s leaders—led by top performers like #52 and a powerful offensive attack—will look to balance out the contest.

Common Opponents: A Glimpse Into Team Strengths

Looking at common opponents gives us additional insight into how these teams might perform. Poquoson and Bruton have faced several of the same teams this season, with both teams sharing victories and losses against top-tier opponents. Poquoson has a 8-8 record against common foes, while Bruton stands at 12-4, showcasing their consistent dominance against similar competition.

Both teams have had close encounters, but Bruton’s ability to secure wins against tough teams like Grafton, Warhill, and York could give them the edge in the postseason.

Keys to the Matchup

For Poquoson, maintaining consistent play and building on their earlier head-to-head victory will be key. They will need to continue utilizing Jolie Faw’s strength and leadership on the court, while Cassie Hall’s defensive contributions will be crucial against Bruton’s attacking game.

For Bruton, the key will be to continue their strong offensive play, leaning on their depth and experience to control the flow of the match. Bruton has proven their resilience in tight games, and their playoff experience should help them in crunch-time moments.

Looking Ahead

With both teams having shown they can rise to the occasion, today’s playoff match will be a true test of which squad is more prepared to advance. The match promises to be an exciting battle, as Poquoson looks to upset the higher-ranked Bruton squad and continue their playoff push. No matter the outcome, this contest will be a showcase of two of the top teams in the region.