The Estrella Foothills Wolves (31-1) varsity volleyball team from Goodyear, AZ will face the Thunderbird Titans (35-3) from Phoenix, AZ in a neutral-site playoff match on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 PM. This game 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 Thunderbird
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A
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Game preview: Estrella Foothills vs Thunderbird

As the 2024-2025 Arizona high school volleyball season draws closer to its climax, two dominant teams have emerged at the top of their division: Thunderbird High School and Estrella Foothills High School. With stellar records, impressive individual performances, and an undefeated section run, both teams are making their mark as state contenders. Here’s a closer look at the rankings, team stats, and how these powerhouse programs compare to each other.

Thunderbird High School

With an impressive overall record of 35-3 and a perfect 10-0 mark in section play, Thunderbird has established itself as one of the premier volleyball teams in the state. The Thunderbirds have notched 19 wins at home and 7 on the road, with a 7-2 record in neutral site matches. Their winning percentage stands at .921, a testament to their dominance and consistency throughout the season.

Key players for Thunderbird include:

• Hayven Lick: Leading the team in kills (467), digs (291), and receptions (300), Hayven is a multifaceted contributor who sets the tone for Thunderbird’s offense and defense.
• Cecelia Bouchard: As the team’s primary setter, Bouchard leads with 1002 assists, keeping the offense fluid and well-coordinated. Additionally, she contributes significantly in serving aces, with 72 on the season.

The Thunderbirds excel in several statistical categories, including kills (1253), total blocks (122), and assists (1118), but their strength lies in their overall team play. With a team average of 24.4 points per set across all four quarters, Thunderbird continues to demonstrate why they are a top contender in the division.

Estrella Foothills High School

Right alongside Thunderbird stands Estrella Foothills, boasting an even more remarkable overall record of 31-1, with an undefeated section record of 10-0. Estrella Foothills has been virtually unstoppable on the court, with 15 wins at home and 11 on the road. Their only loss came in a tight match to Flagstaff early in the season, a blemish on an otherwise perfect record.

The Estrella Foothills team is led by:

• Sadie Snyder: With 372 kills, Snyder has been a driving force in the team’s offensive production. Her powerful swings have earned her a place among the top performers in the division.
• Abby Stenz: A key presence at the net, Stenz has recorded 65 blocks, making her one of the top blockers in the state.
• Toto Carter: With 542 assists, Carter has been instrumental in setting up the team’s offense, similar to her Thunderbird counterpart, Bouchard.

Estrella Foothills leads in serving aces, with 336 to Thunderbird’s 308, showcasing their ability to score directly off serves. As a team, they have accumulated 1064 kills and 971 assists, a well-rounded performance that has helped them dominate throughout the season.

Statistical Comparison:

Both teams are incredibly close in several key areas, but a few distinctions set them apart. Estrella Foothills has the edge in kills (1064) and digs (1174), while Thunderbird excels in assists (1118). Both teams average nearly identical points per set, with Estrella Foothills slightly ahead at 2.5 compared to Thunderbird’s 2.3.

Common Opponents:

When it comes to their performance against shared opponents, both teams have shown their superiority. Thunderbird holds a 6-1 record against common opponents, while Estrella Foothills is even more dominant, finishing 7-1. Key victories for both teams include wins over Agua Fria, Deer Valley, and Paradise Honors, proving their depth and consistency.

Head-to-Head:

As of now, there has been no direct matchup between Thunderbird and Estrella Foothills, leaving their potential showdown as one of the most highly anticipated in-state matchups of the season. Both teams have a lot to prove, and the outcome of their future meeting will likely have major implications for playoff seeding.

Looking Ahead:

With both teams undefeated in their respective sections, the upcoming postseason will be the ultimate test of their abilities. Thunderbird, with its 35-3 record, and Estrella Foothills, boasting a 31-1 mark, will be vying for the coveted state championship. While the teams are incredibly close in terms of performance, each squad brings unique strengths to the table. Whether it’s Thunderbird’s consistent defense and dynamic play from Hayven Lick or Estrella Foothills’ powerful offensive firepower led by Sadie Snyder, Arizona volleyball fans are in for an exciting finish to the season.

Conclusion:

As the season continues, both Thunderbird and Estrella Foothills have proven themselves to be forces to be reckoned with in Arizona high school volleyball. With stellar individual performances and exceptional team play, these two teams are setting the stage for a thrilling postseason. Who will emerge victorious in the battle for Arizona’s top volleyball program? Only time will tell.