The Cissna Park (IL) varsity volleyball team will face Hartsburg-Emden (Hartsburg, IL) in a neutral-site playoff match today at 9 a.m. This game is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets for the IHSA Class 1A tournament.
Cissna Park vs Hartsburg-Emden Volleyball Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Volleyball
Who: Cissna Park vs Hartsburg-Emden
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 9 AM
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 1A
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Game preview: Cissna Park vs Hartsburg-Emden
The volleyball season has seen two powerhouse teams in the Illinois high school ranks stand out for their stellar performances: Hartsburg-Emden and Cissna Park. With impressive overall records, perfect conference records, and a history of high-caliber play, these two teams are making a significant mark in their respective divisions. A comparison between these two squads reveals not just their dominance on the court, but also the specific strengths and play styles that have contributed to their success.
Team Overview: Record and Performance
Hartsburg-Emden has proven to be a formidable force in the Illinois volleyball scene with an overall record of 31-9 for the 2024-2025 season. The team boasts an undefeated 7-0 conference record, and their balanced performance on the court is reflected in their home and away records, with 6-1 at home and 8-1 away. With a solid win percentage of .775, the team has maintained a high standard of performance, finishing with an impressive 67 wins compared to 22 losses.
In comparison, Cissna Park has been equally impressive, finishing with a remarkable overall record of 35-4 and an undefeated 12-0 conference record. This team has shown a level of consistency that is rare in high school sports, particularly in their home games, where they are a perfect 13-0. Their away record is also strong at 10-1, and they boast a win percentage of .897, showcasing a team that thrives in nearly all situations. In total, Cissna Park has registered 71 wins against just 16 losses.
Scoring and Key Players
The offensive power of both teams has been a key factor in their success, with scoring averages for both teams showing a near-equal level of productivity. Hartsburg-Emden averages 24.3 points per game in wins, with slight drops in their second and third sets (23.2 and 18.6 points respectively). Cissna Park, similarly, averages 24.1 points in wins, with a minimal decrease in performance as the sets progress (23.5 in the second and 20.4 in the third). This consistency suggests both teams are capable of maintaining high performance throughout the entirety of a match.
Individual players have also stepped up for their respective teams. For Hartsburg-Emden, Alayna Briggs has been a standout player, contributing 452 kills, 49 serving aces, and 346 digs. Briggs, alongside Emma Eeten, who has 88 total blocks, leads the team in these critical statistical categories. Cissna Park, while lacking specific individual stats in the provided comparison, has enjoyed similar standout performances, especially from their assists leader, Celia Cross, who has a team-leading 830 assists.
Team Stats and Defensive Strength
Defensively, both teams have been exceptional, but the statistics offer a glimpse into their differences. Hartsburg-Emden has racked up 1,099 kills, a strong number that underscores their offensive efficiency. They also excel in serving with 189 aces, and their 1,513 digs indicate a focus on solid defensive play. With 893 assists and 1,371 receptions, Hartsburg-Emden’s offensive execution is supported by excellent ball control and quick decision-making.
Cissna Park has similarly accumulated impressive stats, particularly in their kills (71), blocks (16), and digs (83). While their blocks and aces don’t match Hartsburg-Emden’s numbers, their ability to make precise, effective digs and assists has kept them competitive against tough opponents.
Head-to-Head Comparison and Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against common opponents this season, providing an additional layer of insight into their strengths. When comparing records against these teams, Hartsburg-Emden has a 3-2 record against shared competitors, while Cissna Park holds a slightly better 3-1 record. In the individual matchups, Hartsburg-Emden fell to Williamsville and Unity Christian, but beat Lena-Winslow, Mt. Pulaski, and had a strong showing in their neutral matchups. Meanwhile, Cissna Park defeated both Williamsville and Unity Christian, with a single loss to Lena-Winslow in a closely contested 2-1 match.
Playoff Strength
Both Hartsburg-Emden and Cissna Park have shown their playoff readiness with strong performances throughout the season. Hartsburg-Emden stands at 6-1 in playoff games, while Cissna Park boasts a perfect 5-0 record. This demonstrates the resilience of both teams in high-stakes matches, making them favorites heading into any postseason tournament.
Final Thoughts
With their respective records and stellar individual performances, both Hartsburg-Emden and Cissna Park are setting themselves up for success in the remainder of the season. Hartsburg-Emden’s all-around performance, combined with star players like Alayna Briggs, provides them with a solid foundation. However, Cissna Park’s dominance in conference play, backed by strong defensive and offensive statistics, makes them equally formidable.
As the season progresses, fans can expect a thrilling race for supremacy between these two volleyball powerhouses, each vying to claim the top spot and secure another championship title.
