The Estrella Foothills varsity volleyball team (Goodyear, AZ) will play a neutral playoff match against Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, AZ) today at 6 p.m. This match is part of the 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Volleyball
Who: Estrella Foothills vs Salpointe Catholic
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A
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Game preview: Estrella Foothills vs Salpointe Catholic

The Arizona volleyball scene is witnessing an intense rivalry between two powerhouse teams: Salpointe Catholic and Estrella Foothills. Both teams have enjoyed stellar seasons in the 2024-2025 campaign, with remarkable records, strong individual performances, and high expectations heading into the postseason. Let’s dive into a comparison of these two top contenders.

Season Overview

Salpointe Catholic enters the postseason with a solid 28-10 overall record and a dominant 7-1 performance in their section. Their home court advantage has been especially significant, going undefeated at 14-0. Despite a strong showing, their away record (8-1) and neutral site performance (6-9) reveal some potential vulnerabilities.

In contrast, Estrella Foothills has posted a jaw-dropping 32-1 overall record, sweeping their section with a perfect 10-0 mark. They have been particularly dominant at home (15-1) and away (11-0), with an impressive 6-0 record in neutral-site games, making them a formidable opponent no matter where the match is played.

Team Statistics

Both teams exhibit impressive numbers across various statistics, but there are key differences that highlight their strengths.

• Kills: Salpointe Catholic leads with 1,118 kills compared to Estrella Foothills’ 1,115. Both teams are lethal offensively, and the battle for offensive dominance will be key in their upcoming matchups.
• Total Blocks: Salpointe Catholic has a notable edge in blocking with 179 total blocks to Estrella Foothills’ 131, showcasing their defensive strength.
• Serving Aces: Estrella Foothills has a commanding lead in serving aces with 343 compared to Salpointe Catholic’s 312, a stat that could give them an advantage in fast-paced matches.
• Digs: Salpointe Catholic leads with 1,627 digs, indicating their prowess in defense and ability to stay alive in rallies, while Estrella Foothills has a respectable 1,246 digs.

Individual Leaders

Both teams feature standout players who drive their success.

For Salpointe Catholic, senior Ashlyn Quiri has been a force on offense, leading the team with 233 kills, 47 serving aces, and 225 digs, while also contributing 308 receptions. Her all-around performance will be crucial in any playoff clash. Caitlin Hurley, the team’s primary setter, also leads with 398 assists, helping to facilitate the offense.

On Estrella Foothills, junior Sadie Snyder has been a standout, racking up 388 kills. Setter Toto Carter has been instrumental, accumulating 576 assists, and libero Emma Curry is a standout with 321 digs and 483 receptions, anchoring the defense. Abby Stenz and Ally Caton are also strong contributors in both offense and defense, with Caton leading the team in serving aces.

Head-to-Head Matchup

Both teams have a flawless record against common opponents, with Salpointe Catholic boasting a 9-0 record and Estrella Foothills slightly behind at 8-0. This shared success against mutual opponents underscores the high caliber of both teams, making any potential playoff meeting an exciting prospect.

In their head-to-head contests with these common foes, both teams have demonstrated consistency and depth. Their matchups against teams like Arizona College Prep, Catalina Foothills, and Canyon del Oro have seen both teams come out victorious in straight sets, reinforcing their dominance in the state.

A Tale of Two Titans

While Salpointe Catholic boasts a formidable overall record and a strong defensive lineup, Estrella Foothills’ unblemished record and offensive potency, especially in serving aces, makes them a dangerous team to face. The balance between Salpointe Catholic’s defensive might and Estrella Foothills’ offensive firepower sets the stage for an electrifying postseason showdown.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these two teams as they look to secure their spots in the state championship. With both teams having perfect records against common opponents and displaying excellent individual performances, it’s clear that these programs are the teams to beat in Arizona high school volleyball this year.