The Bullard Knights varsity volleyball team (22-21) from Fresno, CA, will host the Notre Dame Tigers (13-14) from Belmont, CA, in a playoff match today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division IV tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Volleyball
Who: Bullard vs Notre Dame
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division IV
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Game preview: Bullard vs Notre Dame

As the high school volleyball season progresses, the Notre Dame and Bullard teams stand out in the California section, though they’ve faced different challenges. While neither team has had a perfect season, each has demonstrated resilience and individual brilliance. This analysis compares their records, scoring averages, key stats, and standout players, providing insights into what each side brings to the court.

Rankings and Records Overview

Notre Dame has a balanced but challenging season record of 13-14, with a 0-8 league performance. Bullard holds a slight edge with a 22-21 overall record and a 1-5 mark in league play. Notre Dame ranks 237th in the state, with Bullard close behind at 277th. Both teams are nearly even in win percentages, with Notre Dame at 48.1% and Bullard at 51.2%, suggesting a competitive matchup if they meet on the court.

Scoring Averages and Performance by Sets

Notre Dame and Bullard are almost neck-and-neck in scoring averages across sets. Notre Dame averages 22.0, 23.0, 21.4, and 22.6 points in their first four sets, while Bullard averages 22.9, 21.6, 20.3, and 21.7 points. Both teams drop significantly in set five, with Notre Dame averaging 13.7 points and Bullard at 13.2, indicating that endurance in later sets could be a factor for improvement. Each team maintains a 1.6-win average in matches that reach five sets, reflecting their ability to compete hard in longer matches.

Team Stat Comparison

Notre Dame has the advantage in several statistical categories, showcasing their offensive and defensive capabilities. They’ve tallied an impressive 736 kills, 203 serving aces, and 1,222 digs, indicating a robust and well-rounded skill set. They also excel in assists (705) and receptions (1,079), both crucial for setting up offensive plays. Bullard’s numbers in these categories weren’t available, but the comparison underlines Notre Dame’s strength across these areas.

Key Players to Watch

Notre Dame’s players have been the backbone of their team’s performance, with standout leaders across multiple categories:

• Gia Rivera (#1): Leads the team with 362 kills, significantly above the national average of 51. Her offensive firepower makes her a crucial player for Notre Dame.
• Tessa Turiello (#6): Dominates the defense with 32 blocks, showcasing her ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
• Arianna Juarez (#4): A key contributor in both assists (676) and serving aces (50), her dual role as a playmaker and scorer makes her a versatile threat.
• Adrianna Agresti (#5): Leads with 315 digs and 380 receptions, demonstrating her defensive prowess and ensuring consistent ball control for her team.

Each of these players outperforms the national averages, which could be decisive if they face off with Bullard.

Record Breakdown and Playoff Prospects

Notre Dame and Bullard show a mix of strengths and areas for improvement in their breakdowns. Notre Dame is undefeated in non-league play (9-0), while Bullard has a respectable 7-4 record. In playoff matches, Bullard has a strong 4-0 record, showcasing their resilience under pressure, while Notre Dame stands at 2-1. This indicates that Bullard may have the edge in high-stakes games, although Notre Dame’s non-league dominance reflects their ability to overcome unfamiliar opponents.

Conclusion

In this matchup, both Notre Dame and Bullard have clear strengths and areas to leverage. Notre Dame’s individual stat leaders and balanced performance across categories make them formidable, while Bullard’s slight record advantage and solid playoff record suggest they perform well when it counts most. Should these two teams meet on the court, fans can expect a tight and thrilling matchup with key players like Gia Rivera and Adrianna Agresti potentially making the difference.