The Crystal Springs Uplands Gryphons (26-4) will host a playoff match against the St. Joseph Notre Dame Pilots (29-6) today at 6 p.m. in the 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division III tournament. The match will take place in Hillsborough, CA.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Volleyball
Who: Crystal Springs Uplands vs St. Joseph Notre Dame
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division III
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Game preview: Crystal Springs Uplands vs St. Joseph Notre Dame

As the 2024-2025 high school volleyball season heats up, two powerhouse teams in California are making waves: St. Joseph Notre Dame and Crystal Springs Uplands. Both teams have had impressive seasons, posting strong records and showing their dominance on the court. With comparable statistics and a head-to-head win under their belts, their rivalry is one to watch.

Team Overview

St. Joseph Notre Dame boasts an overall record of 29-6, including a 10-2 performance in league play. Their solid performance at home, where they have a record of 15-1, has set the tone for their impressive season. Away, they hold an 8-2 record, and on neutral ground, they’ve posted a 6-3 mark. Their overall win percentage of .829 reflects a team that has consistently performed at a high level, while their .833 win percentage in league play highlights their strength within the conference.

Crystal Springs Uplands has had an even more dominant season, finishing with a 26-4 record. Their 11-1 league performance further solidifies their standing, and they’ve been nearly perfect at home, going 13-0. With an away record of 7-1 and a 6-3 record on neutral courts, their overall win percentage stands at .867, while their league percentage of .917 speaks to their incredible consistency in conference play.

Scoring Averages & Offensive Firepower

Both teams have shown impressive offensive prowess, with similar scoring averages across multiple sets.

• St. Joseph Notre Dame averages 23.1 points in set one, increasing to 25.0 points in set four before dipping to 13.0 points in set five. Despite this drop, they have proven they can close out matches with strong performances, winning 2.2 of their last set games on average.
• Crystal Springs Uplands has been equally strong offensively, averaging 23.7 points in set one and matching St. Joseph Notre Dame’s 25.0 points in set four. Their 13.5 points in set five also shows they are capable of performing when it counts, winning 2.5 of their final sets.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

In a key head-to-head match this season, both teams emerged victorious against Bishop O’Dowd.

• St. Joseph Notre Dame won the match on August 31, 2024, with a 2-0 victory.
• Crystal Springs Uplands followed suit on September 14, 2024, with a 3-0 win, showcasing their consistency in handling common competition.

The common opponent record stands at 1-0 in favor of both teams, proving they have similar strengths when facing similar rivals.

Record Breakdown: St. Joseph Notre Dame vs. Crystal Springs Uplands

• St. Joseph Notre Dame:
  • Overall: 29-6
  • League: 11-3
  • Home: 15-1
  • Away: 8-2
  • Neutral: 6-3
  • Playoff Record: 4-0
  • In-State Record: 29-6
  • Out-of-State Record: 0-0
• Crystal Springs Uplands:
  • Overall: 26-4
  • League: 11-1
  • Home: 13-0
  • Away: 7-1
  • Neutral: 6-3
  • Playoff Record: 3-0
  • In-State Record: 26-4
  • Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Both teams have shown dominance in their league play, but Crystal Springs Uplands edges out in overall consistency. St. Joseph Notre Dame, however, has the advantage in playoff experience with a perfect 4-0 postseason record, suggesting they perform under pressure.

Conclusion

As these two teams head into the remainder of the season, their battle for supremacy in California high school volleyball continues. While Crystal Springs Uplands may have a slight edge in regular-season performance, St. Joseph Notre Dame has proven their ability to perform in key moments. With both teams holding a 1-0 record against common opponents and similar overall performance, their potential showdown could very well be one of the most exciting matchups of the season.

As the playoffs approach, fans and analysts alike will be watching these teams closely to see who can claim the ultimate victory in California high school volleyball.