The Sacred Heart Prep varsity water polo team (Atherton, CA) will play a home playoff game against Carondelet (Concord, CA) today at 4 PM. This match is part of the 2024 CIF NorCal Girls Water Polo Championships – Division I tournament.

Carondelet vs Sacred Heart Prep Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Girls Water Polo
Who: Carondelet vs Sacred Heart Prep
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 4 PM
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Game preview: Carondelet vs Sacred Heart Prep

The upcoming girls’ water polo match between Carondelet (Concord, CA) and Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton, CA) promises to be an exciting, high-stakes game. With both teams having demonstrated exceptional performances throughout the season, fans can expect a thrilling contest as they clash in an away playoff game at Sacred Heart Prep.

Team Profiles:

• Carondelet (24-25 Season)
  • Record: 23-5 overall, 9-0 in league play
  • Goals For (GF): 378 | Goals Against (GA): 173
  • Win Percentage: .821
  • Top Scorer: #5 Josie Haast (59 goals)
  • Notable Performers: #10 Emilia Haast (31 assists, 38 steals)

  Carondelet has had an impressive season, showcasing their strength in both offense and defense. With a formidable 9-0 league record, the team is primed to make a strong push in the playoffs. Josie Haast leads the charge with 59 goals, while Emilia Haast’s ability to assist and steal sets up Carondelet for success in key moments.

• Sacred Heart Prep (24-25 Season)
  • Record: 26-2 overall, 5-0 in league play
  • Goals For (GF): 344 | Goals Against (GA): 149
  • Win Percentage: .929
  • Top Scorer: – (No standout scorer listed, but strong team contributions across the board)
  • Notable Performers: Strong team defense and scoring depth.

  Sacred Heart Prep has been nothing short of dominant, with a stellar 26-2 record and a perfect 5-0 league performance. The team’s consistency across all facets of the game, including defense and teamwork, has made them a formidable opponent throughout the season.

Game Preview:

This matchup is crucial for both teams. Sacred Heart Prep has come out on top in their previous meetings, winning both times in neutral tournament games (12-8 on 9/7/2024 and 12-7 on 10/26/2024). However, Carondelet is determined to reverse the trend, entering this game with momentum from their strong season.

Sacred Heart Prep’s defense has been suffocating, allowing just 149 goals all season, while their offense has been consistently strong, averaging 12.3 goals per game. In contrast, Carondelet boasts a slightly higher offensive output (13.5 goals per game) but will need to improve defensively to contain Sacred Heart’s versatile attack.

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, but Sacred Heart Prep holds a slight edge in their head-to-head matchups, having won against common opponents such as St. Ignatius and Acalanes.

Key Players to Watch:

• Carondelet’s Josie Haast: With 59 goals this season, Haast is a key offensive weapon for Carondelet. Her ability to create scoring opportunities will be critical in keeping the game competitive.
• Sacred Heart Prep’s Overall Depth: While no standout scorer is listed, Sacred Heart Prep’s collective effort makes them a dangerous team. Their strong defense and balanced scoring make them a tough team to break down.

Team Comparisons:

• Offense: Carondelet leads in goals scored (378), while Sacred Heart Prep follows closely with 344. Carondelet’s higher offensive output could give them an edge if they can outscore Sacred Heart’s defense.
• Defense: Sacred Heart Prep has a significantly better goals-against average (149 goals allowed) compared to Carondelet (173 goals allowed). Sacred Heart’s defense will be key to limiting Carondelet’s potent offense.
• Playoff Momentum: Both teams have shown excellent playoff performances, with Sacred Heart Prep holding a perfect 4-0 playoff record, while Carondelet also boasts a strong 4-0 playoff performance.

Conclusion:

As the teams prepare for their pivotal playoff matchup, Sacred Heart Prep comes into the game as the favorite, with the edge in head-to-head competition and overall season performance. However, Carondelet has proven themselves as a formidable challenger, and with top players like Josie Haast leading the charge, they will be eager to upset Sacred Heart Prep’s dominance.

Water polo fans can expect a fiercely competitive game, with both teams battling for a spot in the next round. The game will likely come down to who can control the tempo, defend the best, and execute offensively when it matters most.