The Buchanan Bears (26-12) will face off against the Harbor Pirates (23-10) in a home playoff match today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division II tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Volleyball
Who: Buchanan vs Harbor
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division II
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Game preview: Buchanan vs Harbor
As the 2024-25 volleyball season heats up, two teams from opposite ends of California will clash in a highly anticipated playoff match: Harbor (Santa Cruz, CA) and Buchanan (Clovis, CA). With impressive records and unique strengths, both teams are ready for an intense battle on the court.
Team Performance and Records
Harbor enters this matchup with a strong 23-10 overall record, having dominated in their league with a perfect 12-0 record. Their performance has been impressive both at home (12-2) and away (7-3), showcasing a solid all-around team effort. Harbor’s team is led by standout players like Sammie Aaron, who has contributed 305 kills this season, and Clara Garcia, who has been instrumental with 76 serving aces and 452 digs.
Buchanan, with a record of 26-12 overall, has also had a strong season. Their league performance has been a bit more mixed, with a 5-5 record. However, they have excelled in non-league play, boasting a 17-5 record. Buchanan’s strength lies in their versatility, as players like Clara Garcia (yes, the same player excelling for Harbor in digs and receptions) have been key contributors on both sides of the net.
Key Matchup: Head-to-Head
In their last meeting on October 12, 2024, Buchanan emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Harbor in an away match. The match was a showcase of Buchanan’s dominance, winning three straight sets (25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 23-25), with Harbor struggling to match the intensity in the final two sets. The 3-1 victory for Buchanan gives them momentum heading into this next crucial playoff matchup.
This upcoming contest will surely be a battle for revenge for Harbor, as they aim to even the score after their loss last month. Harbor will need to capitalize on their serving aces and defensive strengths, particularly through the efforts of Clara Garcia, who excels in digs and receptions, to overcome Buchanan’s solid team dynamic.
Statistical Comparison: Team Strengths
In terms of overall team stats, both Harbor and Buchanan have impressive numbers. Harbor leads the way in total blocks with 166 and serving aces with 320. On the other hand, Buchanan has slightly more kills, totaling 1285. In terms of overall defense, Harbor is ahead in digs (1672), while Buchanan boasts superior total assists with 1166.
Both teams are well-rounded, with individual leaders standing out across key statistical categories. Harbor’s Kayden Barnes has dished out 509 assists, while Buchanan’s Sarah Her has been a defensive force with 46 total blocks. Harbor’s Clara Garcia leads in multiple categories, including serving aces and receptions, where her 679 receptions set her apart from the competition.
Common Opponents: A Look at the Competition
Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, further raising the stakes in this playoff meeting. Harbor holds a 2-0 record against their common opponents, including a 3-1 victory over Soquel. Meanwhile, Buchanan has a 1-0 record against the same team, having defeated Soquel 3-0 in their own home matchup.
This common opposition may offer insight into how both teams could approach the game, but each squad has its own strengths and weaknesses that could shift the momentum at any moment.
Playoff Implications
The playoff matchup between Harbor and Buchanan is set to be a thrilling contest, with both teams looking to advance further in the postseason. Harbor enters as the higher seed with a perfect league record, while Buchanan’s more balanced mix of wins across league and non-league play suggests they are capable of competing at a high level.
For Harbor, the key to success will be continuing their strong defensive play and capitalizing on their serving game, while Buchanan will need to continue their momentum from the last win and execute a balanced offense.
With both teams boasting strong records and formidable individual players, this playoff encounter promises to deliver high-level volleyball action. The match kicks off at 6 PM today at Buchanan’s home court, where the tension will be palpable as these two powerhouse teams fight for a chance to move forward in the tournament.
