The Grafton Clippers (23-2) varsity volleyball team from Yorktown, VA will play a home playoff match against the New Kent Trojans (22-2) today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region Brackets for Class 3 Region A in Virginia.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: Grafton vs New Kent
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3 Region A
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Game preview: Grafton vs New Kent

As the Virginia high school volleyball season heads into its playoff stages, two teams have consistently stood out: New Kent and Grafton. Both teams have posted impressive records and delivered exciting matches throughout the season, but when it comes to head-to-head matchups, Grafton has had the upper hand.

Season Overview

• New Kent (24-25) has dominated much of their schedule with a 22-2 overall record, maintaining a strong win percentage of .917. Their performance in the region has been equally impressive, posting a 16-2 record. New Kent has been solid at home with a 10-1 record, and their away games have been just as successful, with an 11-1 record. New Kent’s most recent win came with a 3-1 victory over York, further cementing their strength this season.
• Grafton (24-25) has been slightly more dominant overall with a 23-2 record, boasting a .920 win percentage. Grafton has been a perfect 19-0 in their region, further establishing themselves as a powerhouse in their division. The team has been nearly flawless at home (11-0) and on the road (9-0), with their only blemishes coming in neutral-site matches (3-2). Grafton is coming off a strong 3-0 sweep of Tabb, showcasing their superiority over common opponents.

Head-to-Head Matchups

In the two head-to-head matchups between New Kent and Grafton this season, Grafton has emerged victorious both times. The first meeting, on August 29, 2024, saw Grafton win 3-1 in a decisive match where they dominated with set scores of 25-15, 18-25, 25-20, and 25-17. Their solid performance demonstrated their depth and ability to bounce back after a lost set.

The second meeting, on October 1, 2024, was even more one-sided, as Grafton swept New Kent 3-0 with set scores of 25-13, 25-20, and 25-18. This victory left no doubt about Grafton’s superiority, as they finished the match with a clear and efficient sweep.

Key Players

Both teams have star players who have played pivotal roles in their teams’ success:

• New Kent:
  • Leah Rounds has been a standout, leading the team with 184 kills, followed by Kendall White with 42 total blocks.
  • Abby McLaughlin has been exceptional in defense with 326 digs, while Mackenzie Loveland leads the team in assists with 638.
• Grafton:
  • Kenzie Smith has been a powerhouse for Grafton, with 258 kills and 127 total blocks, solidifying her status as one of the best players in the region.
  • Allyson Burke has been a force on defense, recording 437 digs, and Kaylie Klemm has been a key playmaker with 354 assists.

Common Opponents and Record Comparisons

Both teams have played several common opponents, with Grafton having a perfect 18-0 record against those teams compared to New Kent’s 16-0. These common matchups reveal how evenly matched the two teams are against others, yet Grafton has shown a bit more dominance in these head-to-head comparisons.

Both teams have defeated strong teams like Lafayette, Warhill, and Tabb, and their rivalry will likely continue to intensify as the postseason progresses.

Playoff Outlook

The playoff matchup between these two teams promises to be thrilling. While Grafton holds the upper hand in their previous encounters, New Kent will be eager to prove that their season-long dominance can translate into a postseason victory. As of now, New Kent will travel to Grafton for a crucial playoff match, and with both teams entering the match with strong momentum, fans can expect an electrifying contest.

Conclusion

New Kent and Grafton have both been exceptional this season, posting near-perfect records and dominating their region. Grafton’s head-to-head victories over New Kent give them a slight edge, but the postseason is where anything can happen. As these two rivals face off in the playoffs, all eyes will be on them as they battle for supremacy in Virginia volleyball.