The Flagstaff Eagles (35-2) varsity volleyball team will host a home playoff match against the Saguaro Sabercats (21-14) from Scottsdale, AZ, on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 PM. This matchup 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: Flagstaff vs Saguaro
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: Flagstaff vs Saguaro

As the volleyball season nears its conclusion, the matchup between Saguaro and Flagstaff promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have had impressive seasons, but the stakes are high as they face off in a pivotal playoff match. Let’s take a closer look at these two teams’ journeys, head-to-head comparison, and what fans can expect in the upcoming game.

Season Records & Rankings

Saguaro (Scottsdale, AZ) enters the match with a respectable 21-14 overall record and a strong 8-2 performance in their section. However, their 7-2 record at home and 5-5 away performances highlight their struggles when playing outside familiar surroundings. With a win percentage of .600, the Saguaro squad has shown resilience and tenacity throughout the season.

On the other hand, Flagstaff has had an outstanding season, posting a remarkable 35-2 record overall. Dominating their section with a perfect 12-0 record, Flagstaff has proven their strength in both home (11-1) and away (8-1) matches. Their unbeaten run in section play reflects their dominance, earning them a near-perfect win percentage of .946.

Scoring Averages

Both teams have shown strong offensive capabilities, but Flagstaff has had the edge in scoring consistency. Saguaro averages 21.6 points per set, with their highest scoring average of 25.0 points per set coming in wins. In comparison, Flagstaff averages 24.5 points per set and also hits a high of 25.0 in victories, but with a slightly more consistent approach across all sets.

Head-to-Head Performance

In the regular season, Flagstaff came out on top in the September 9th matchup, dominating Saguaro in a 3-0 victory. The match was a statement of Flagstaff’s strength, as they triumphed with set scores of 25-14, 25-16, and 25-8. Saguaro will be looking for redemption, especially after such a convincing defeat.

Key Player Matchup

• Saguaro’s standout players include #10 Nylah Bibby, who leads the team in kills with 222, and #1 Melia Ikei, who excels in both digs (197) and receptions (275). Saguaro’s #3 Maddie Tately also contributes significantly with 49 serving aces and 548 assists.
• Flagstaff counters with impressive performances from #11 Lillian Hartman, who leads the team with 445 kills, and #1 Brynn Hagerman, who is a dominant force with 294 digs and 381 receptions. Additionally, Flagstaff’s Ivy Clevenger has contributed 79 blocks, showing her defensive prowess.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents throughout the season, with Flagstaff holding a perfect 3-0 record against those teams. In comparison, Saguaro has a 3-2 record against the same opponents, including losses to teams like ALA-Queen Creek and Arcadia. However, Saguaro did manage to defeat Arcadia and St. Mary’s in their final few regular-season games, which could provide a confidence boost heading into this match.

Playoff Outlook

With both teams entering the playoffs, Flagstaff’s perfect record in section play and their dominant win streak give them a slight edge. However, Saguaro’s resilience and ability to upset teams in high-pressure situations should not be underestimated. Flagstaff’s undefeated record at home and playoff performance (16-0) will provide a significant advantage as they look to maintain their momentum.

Saguaro, on the other hand, will be motivated by their previous loss to Flagstaff and will need a collective effort from their top performers to pull off an upset. With key players like Bibby and Ikei leading the charge, they’ll look to exploit Flagstaff’s defensive gaps and build a strong offense.

Conclusion

As Saguaro and Flagstaff prepare for what promises to be an exciting playoff showdown, all eyes will be on the court. Flagstaff’s formidable regular season and Saguaro’s determination create the perfect mix of talent and heart. Fans can expect a high-energy, action-packed game, with both teams fighting for a spot in the next round of the playoffs. Stay tuned for the action on November 12 at 6:30 p.m., when these two volleyball giants collide!