The Grafton (Yorktown, VA) varsity volleyball team will host New Kent (VA) for a home playoff match today at 6:30 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3” tournament.

Grafton vs New Kent Volleyball Game Info:

What: Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: Grafton vs New Kent
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3
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Game preview: Grafton vs New Kent

The 2024-2025 volleyball season has been one of intense competition and fierce rivalry, especially between the Grafton (Yorktown, VA) and New Kent (VA) varsity teams. With both schools boasting impressive records, their matchups have become some of the most anticipated games of the season. Here’s a closer look at how these two teams compare, including their head-to-head battles and overall performance.

Team Records and Rankings

• New Kent: The New Kent varsity team has an outstanding record of 23-3, with an impressive 16-2 performance in the region. They’ve managed a strong win percentage of .885, further solidifying their competitive prowess.
• Grafton: On the other hand, Grafton enters the season with a record of 25-2, going undefeated in the region with a perfect 18-0 record. Their win percentage of .926 speaks to their dominance, and they have been a consistent powerhouse in their league.

Head-to-Head Matchups

The rivalry between Grafton and New Kent has been heated, with Grafton taking the upper hand in their most recent contests.

• August 29, 2024: Grafton defeated New Kent in a thrilling conference match with a 3-1 victory (25-15, 18-25, 25-20, 25-17).
• October 1, 2024: Grafton dominated New Kent again with a convincing 3-0 win (25-13, 25-20, 25-18).
• November 12, 2024: In the most recent playoff matchup, Grafton edged out New Kent in a 3-2 thriller (18-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 15-9).

These results emphasize Grafton’s superiority in recent contests, though New Kent has fought hard in each matchup, often pushing the games into late sets.

Team Scoring Averages

Both teams boast high-scoring offenses, making for exciting and fast-paced games.

• New Kent: Averaging around 23.6 points per set in their victories, New Kent has shown consistency in their attacking strategies, led by standout players like Leah Rounds and Abby McLaughlin.
• Grafton: Grafton has a similar scoring average of 23.7 points per set, but they have consistently been able to finish strong, especially in crucial moments, as seen in their 3-2 playoff win.

Key Players

Both teams are home to standout athletes who have been pivotal in their success.

• New Kent:
  • Leah Rounds leads the team with 222 kills, an outstanding individual performance.
  • Abby McLaughlin has contributed immensely with 359 digs and 405 receptions, showcasing her defensive versatility.
  • Mackenzie Loveland has been the playmaker with 724 assists, ensuring her teammates are set up for success.
• Grafton:
  • Kenzie Smith, with 285 kills, has been the standout offensive player for Grafton.
  • Allyson Burke has been a force on defense, with 477 digs and 549 receptions, leading the team in both categories.
  • Kaylie Klemm has helped set the tone with 384 assists, facilitating Grafton’s offensive rhythm.

Common Opponents

Both teams have shared many opponents throughout the season, and the results have been impressive for both sides. Both New Kent and Grafton have faced off against teams like Lafayette, Warhill, and Tabb, achieving dominant victories in most cases. However, Grafton’s perfect regional record (18-0) gives them an edge in terms of consistency against common competition.

Looking Ahead

As both teams advance in the season, the rivalry between Grafton and New Kent continues to heat up. While Grafton holds a clear edge in the head-to-head matchups, New Kent’s grit and determination make them a formidable opponent. The teams will meet again in future matchups, with Grafton looking to maintain its unbeaten streak and New Kent hoping to prove they can finally turn the tide.

In conclusion, both New Kent and Grafton have had impressive seasons, and their rivalry continues to captivate fans. Whether you’re watching them battle it out on the court or looking ahead to potential future matchups, these two teams will undoubtedly provide thrilling volleyball for the rest of the season.