The Folsom Bulldogs (30-9, CA) varsity volleyball team will host a home playoff match against the Mercy Bears (22-6, Burlingame, CA) today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division I tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Volleyball
Who: Folsom vs Mercy
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division I
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Folsom vs Mercy
As the Mercy (Burlingame, CA) varsity volleyball team prepares for a crucial playoff match against Folsom (CA), there’s a lot on the line. Both teams have had strong seasons, with impressive records and standout players, setting the stage for an exciting encounter. Here’s a look at how both teams stack up against each other heading into this match.
Season Overview:
Mercy enters the match with a solid overall record of 22-6, having dominated their league with an 8-0 record. Their performance at home has been strong (6-3), while they’ve been even more successful on the road with a 13-3 record. With a .786 win percentage and perfect league record, Mercy has proven to be a dominant force in the competition.
Folsom, on the other hand, has had a stellar season with a 30-9 record. Their league performance (11-3) shows they’re tough competitors, and their away games (7-3) reflect their ability to succeed on the road. Their win percentage stands slightly below Mercy’s at .769, but their league win percentage (.786) is comparable. Folsom has been exceptional with a powerful attack, which will be a key factor in their playoff run.
Key Players:
Both teams boast strong individual performers who will play pivotal roles in today’s matchup. Mercy’s standout player is Ava Cacao, who leads the team with 340 kills. Mia Ferdinand, with 108 total blocks, and Amira Festejo Rivera, who leads in digs with 283, have also been instrumental to Mercy’s success.
Folsom counters with a powerful offensive duo: Avery Masters (293 kills) and Khloe Wong (75 serving aces and 498 digs). These two have been consistent throughout the season, and their performance will be key to Folsom’s chances. Wong has been an all-around powerhouse, contributing not only in digs but also in reception and serving.
Team Stats Comparison:
Mercy has accumulated 957 kills this season, but Folsom leads with 1383. Folsom’s strength lies in their serving game as well, with 340 serving aces, far surpassing Mercy’s 187. Mercy has shown great defensive resilience with 1137 digs, though Folsom’s 1663 digs reflect their own defensive strength. In terms of assists, Mercy’s Lana Trehan (526 assists) will need to be on her game to keep their offense fluid against Folsom’s Grace Poort, who has 621 assists.
Recent Matchup:
In their most recent meeting on October 12, Folsom emerged victorious in a 3-1 win against Mercy. The match, which took place in Folsom, saw Folsom take the first, second, and fourth sets with scores of 25-21, 25-21, and 27-25, while Mercy managed to win the third set 25-17. Folsom’s dominance in the later sets could signal their ability to close out tight matches, a trait they’ll need to continue.
Common Opponents:
Both teams faced Saint Francis this season, with Mercy suffering a 3-1 loss on November 2 and Folsom also losing 2-0 on October 5. These results indicate that while both teams struggled against a common top-tier opponent, it doesn’t necessarily reflect their ability to perform in this playoff match.
Looking Ahead:
With Mercy holding a 1-0 head-to-head advantage in the playoffs, Folsom will be looking to bounce back and even the score. The teams’ differing strengths—Mercy’s defensive play and Folsom’s offensive power—make this matchup a thrilling one. With both teams having had great seasons and a lot to prove, this is sure to be a tightly contested and high-energy affair.
The match will take place today at 6:00 PM in Folsom. Fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown, as these two powerhouse teams battle for supremacy in the playoffs.
Final Thought:
The outcome of this match will not only determine the playoff trajectory for both teams but could also set the tone for the remainder of their postseason. For Mercy, the goal is to maintain their strong defensive form, while Folsom will aim to dominate with their offensive firepower. Fans should be in for a thrilling, high-stakes game.
