The Lake Stevens (WA) varsity volleyball team will face Curtis (University Place, WA) in a neutral playoff match today at 10:00 AM. This game is part of the “2024 WIAA Volleyball Championships (Washington) – 4A” tournament.

Curtis vs Lake Stevens Volleyball Game Info:

What: Washington High School Volleyball
Who: Curtis vs Lake Stevens
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
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Game preview: Curtis vs Lake Stevens

The stage is set for an intense playoff showdown as two of Washington’s top high school volleyball teams—Curtis High School and Lake Stevens High School—face off today at 10 a.m. Both teams bring stellar records, impressive stats, and a history of dominance in their respective districts to this neutral-site playoff match. Let’s break down the highlights and what’s at stake.

Team Profiles

Curtis High School (University Place, WA)

• Overall Record: 25-0
• District Record: 12-0
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• Team Highlights:
  Curtis remains undefeated this season, with a perfect 25-0 record. Dominating both home (13-0) and away (9-0) matches, their consistency in neutral sites (3-0) reinforces their formidable presence. Their scoring average hovers around 25 points per set, with a sweep win in their last head-to-head matchup against Lake Stevens on September 11 (25-19, 25-20, 25-18).
• Key Players:
  • Avery Cukjati: Leads the team with 256 kills, showcasing offensive dominance.
  • Elaina Duong: A defensive powerhouse with 192 digs and 256 receptions, she’s vital in keeping Curtis’ plays alive.
  • Peyton Ensign: With 378 assists, she orchestrates the team’s attack with precision.

Lake Stevens High School (Lake Stevens, WA)

• Overall Record: 29-5-1
• District Record: 11-1
• Win Percentage: .843
• Team Highlights:
  Ranked fifth in the state, Lake Stevens has an impressive season under their belt, with a balanced performance across home (10-3), away (8-0), and neutral (11-2-1) venues. Their aggressive style has earned them a high number of serving aces (301) and kills (1,195), indicating an explosive offense.
• Key Players:
  • Laura Eichert: A standout with 621 kills and 42 blocks, she is the team’s offensive and defensive backbone.
  • Olivia Gonzales: Leads in serving aces (75) and assists (915), contributing significantly to Lake Stevens’ fast-paced play.
  • Audrey Iseminger: With 262 digs and 530 receptions, she ensures the team remains defensively robust.

Head-to-Head Performance

The last encounter between these two teams on September 11 ended in a decisive 3-0 sweep for Curtis. However, Lake Stevens has shown improvement throughout the season, particularly in playoffs. Curtis’ balanced scoring averages (around 25 points per set) will clash with Lake Stevens’ slightly higher-scoring fourth and fifth sets, suggesting a potentially closer match this time.

Statistical Comparison

Despite Curtis’ undefeated streak, Lake Stevens has an edge in raw offensive power and defensive statistics, with higher totals in kills, digs, and receptions.

Common Opponents

Both teams have dominated shared opponents, going 6-0 against schools like Emerald Ridge, Camas, and Arlington. Notably, Curtis has been more consistent in sweeps (winning most matches 3-0), whereas Lake Stevens’ victories often extend into tighter sets.

What to Watch

• Curtis: Look for their steady, clinical style. If they control the tempo, they’ll maintain their undefeated streak.
• Lake Stevens: They need to capitalize on their offensive firepower, especially from Eichert and Gonzales, to disrupt Curtis’ rhythm.
• Key Battle: Serving aces will be pivotal, with Lake Stevens’ Gonzales against Curtis’ Duong and Morales.

Prediction

While Curtis’ perfect record makes them the favorite, Lake Stevens’ experience in longer matches and their high-powered offense could lead to an upset. Fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes battle between two evenly matched teams.

Stay tuned as these volleyball powerhouses clash in what promises to be one of the most exciting playoff games of the season!