The Granby Memorial (Granby, CT) varsity volleyball team will face off against Joel Barlow (Redding, CT) in a neutral playoff match today at 12 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Connecticut Girls Volleyball State Tournament: CIAC – Class M.

Granby Memorial vs Joel Barlow Volleyball Game Info:

What: Connecticut High School Volleyball
Who: Granby Memorial vs Joel Barlow
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 12 PM
Bracket: 2024 Connecticut Girls Volleyball State Tournament: CIAC – Class M
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Game preview: Granby Memorial vs Joel Barlow

As the Connecticut high school volleyball season unfolds, two powerhouse teams have emerged as the top contenders: Joel Barlow and Granby Memorial. With impressive records and standout performances, both teams are making waves in their respective leagues. But how do they compare? Let’s break down their stats, head-to-head record, and key players to see how these two heavyweights stack up.

Records and Rankings:

• Joel Barlow (22-2 overall, 15-0 league): With a dominant league performance, Joel Barlow has proven to be nearly unstoppable this season. Their impressive 22-2 record is highlighted by an undefeated 15-0 league mark, securing them the top spot in their conference.
• Granby Memorial (25-1 overall, 13-1 league): Granby Memorial, boasting a stellar 25-1 record, has only one league loss, finishing at 13-1. Their overall success, paired with a 77-8 win-loss ratio, shows their consistent strength throughout the season.

Team Performance & Scoring Averages:

Both teams are capable of high-level play, with notable scoring averages:

• Joel Barlow: Their scoring average across five sets is solid, averaging 24.2 in the first set and dipping to 15.0 in the fifth set, with a total of 2.8 wins per match.
• Granby Memorial: Their scoring shows consistency, starting strong at 25.0 in the first set and maintaining strong numbers throughout, with a 3.0 win average per match.

Team Stat Comparison:

Looking at key team statistics, here’s how they compare:

• Kills:
  • Joel Barlow: 745
  • Granby Memorial: 886 Granby Memorial has a clear advantage in kills, with a 141 kill difference.
• Blocks:
  • Joel Barlow: 103
  • Granby Memorial: 57 Joel Barlow leads significantly in blocks, showcasing a stronger defensive presence at the net.
• Serving Aces:
  • Joel Barlow: 233
  • Granby Memorial: 343 Granby Memorial excels in serving aces, with a difference of 110, making their serving game a formidable threat.
• Digs:
  • Joel Barlow: 714
  • Granby Memorial: 1005 Granby Memorial also leads in digs, with a 291 dig difference, demonstrating superior floor coverage.
• Assists:
  • Joel Barlow: 653
  • Granby Memorial: 823 Granby Memorial’s higher assist total suggests they have a more efficient offense, setting up their players for success.
• Receptions:
  • Joel Barlow: 755
  • Granby Memorial: 999 Granby Memorial leads here as well, with nearly 250 more receptions than Joel Barlow.

Top Players to Watch:

Both teams boast some top-tier individual talent:

• Joel Barlow:
  • Claire Rodrigue: With 168 kills, she leads her team in this category.
  • Mia Roberts: A standout with 47 serving aces.
  • Ella Anderson: Leading with 509 assists.
• Granby Memorial:
  • Jayne Hiatt: The team’s leader with 295 kills.
  • Sage Pycz: A serving ace specialist, with 80 aces.
  • Sydney Lisowski: Dominating with 252 digs, showing incredible defensive prowess.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents:

Both teams share victories over Weston, with Joel Barlow and Granby Memorial both winning 3-0 and 3-1, respectively, against this opponent. Their record against common opponents is identical at 2-0, further proving their superiority in the region.

Playoff Potential and Predictions:

As both teams head toward the postseason, they are poised for a thrilling playoff run. Joel Barlow has a perfect 4-0 record in playoff matches, while Granby Memorial stands strong at 3-0. The comparison of their home, away, and neutral court performances reveals that both teams are formidable on any surface.

Conclusion:

Joel Barlow and Granby Memorial are two of the top volleyball teams in Connecticut this season, and while their styles and strengths may differ, both have proven themselves to be elite contenders. Granby Memorial’s powerful offense and serving game give them an edge in several categories, but Joel Barlow’s defensive dominance and overall team play make them a tough opponent. As these teams continue to compete for the championship, fans can expect an exciting finish to what has already been an unforgettable season.