The Haxtun (CO) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral playoff match against Wiggins (CO) today at 8 a.m. as part of the 2024 CHSAA State Volleyball Championships – Class 2A tournament.
Haxtun vs Wiggins Volleyball Game Info:
What: Colorado High School Volleyball
Who: Haxtun vs Wiggins
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 8 AM
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Volleyball Championships – Class 2A
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Game preview: Haxtun vs Wiggins
In a thrilling volleyball season, Wiggins (24-25) and Haxtun (24-25) have showcased their competitive spirit and remarkable talent. Both teams have fought hard in their respective conferences and come head-to-head in a high-stakes matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. With impressive records and talented players, this showdown exemplifies the best of Colorado high school volleyball.
Team Overview: Wiggins vs. Haxtun
Wiggins, with a solid overall record of 18-10, boasts a strong league performance, finishing with a 6-2 mark. They also performed impressively at home, with a 12-4 record, while their away games were more challenging, posting a 2-4 record. Their playoff efforts were also promising, finishing 4-2 in neutral settings, helping them secure a win percentage of .643 and a league win percentage of .750.
Haxtun, on the other hand, had a slightly better overall performance, finishing with a 19-9 record. Their league performance (5-3) was solid, though not as dominant as Wiggins. However, Haxtun was exceptional in neutral games, with a 7-3 record, contributing to a win percentage of .679 and a league win percentage of .625.
Head-to-Head Matchup: Wiggins Triumphs in Thrilling Contest
The season’s most anticipated clash between these two teams took place on September 17, 2024. Wiggins claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory in a hard-fought away match against Haxtun. The match was close, with Wiggins clinching the first and second sets (25-18, 25-19), while Haxtun fought back, taking the third and fourth sets (25-27, 25-20). The final set was a nail-biter, but Wiggins managed to hold on, winning 15-3 to secure the win.
This victory was a significant milestone for Wiggins, who had already shown strong offensive capabilities throughout the season. Haxtun, while disappointed by the loss, displayed resilience and competitive spirit in the matchup, especially in the later sets.
Key Players: Stars on Both Sides
Both teams are led by outstanding individual performances.
- Wiggins:
- Mackenzee Steinbar (#24) leads the team in kills with 221, showcasing her offensive prowess.
- Tenleigh Lorenzini (#19) stands out for her solid defense, recording 56 total blocks.
- Kennedy Kerr (#9) excels as a playmaker with 53 serving aces and 605 assists, making her a key setter for the team.
- Ali Beauprez (#1) is a standout defensive player, accumulating 385 digs and 476 receptions.
- Haxtun:
- Jayleigh Bullard (#1) has been the offensive powerhouse for Haxtun, leading the team with 235 kills.
- Bobbi Starkebaum (#15) has been a dominant force at the net with 80 blocks.
- Lilly Lemesany (#3) is a dual threat with 70 serving aces and 353 digs, helping to anchor both the offense and defense for Haxtun.
- Kelsie Hadeen (#13) plays a crucial role with 417 assists, setting up the team’s attack.
Team Stats Comparison
In terms of overall team stats, both squads are nearly identical in several key areas. Wiggins has slightly fewer kills (890) than Haxtun (970), but they manage to stay close in total blocks, with Wiggins recording 137 compared to Haxtun’s 134. Haxtun edges out Wiggins in serving aces (254 vs. 154), showing a stronger serving game.
In terms of defensive play, Wiggins has the edge in digs, with 1408 compared to Haxtun’s 1376, while Haxtun has the upper hand in receptions with 1623 to Wiggins’ 1307.
Common Opponents: Similar Struggles and Successes
Both teams faced a similar set of opponents during the season, with notable results. Both squads played against Simla, Fleming, Weldon Valley, and Akron, among others, with mixed outcomes. For example, Wiggins faced a tough loss against Simla (2-0), while Haxtun also fell to Simla (3-1). On the flip side, both teams triumphed over Akron (Wiggins 3-0, Haxtun 3-0).
Looking Ahead: Playoff Hopes and Final Thoughts
As the season progresses toward the playoffs, both Wiggins and Haxtun will be looking to capitalize on their strengths. Wiggins, with a slightly stronger league performance, will look to carry that momentum forward. Haxtun, with a higher win percentage overall, will certainly be a formidable opponent in the postseason.
For now, the record books show Wiggins as the victor in their most recent meeting, but with both teams showcasing incredible talent, the race for the top in Colorado volleyball is far from over. Whether it’s the offensive power of Wiggins or the all-around excellence of Haxtun, one thing is certain: these teams are among the best in the state and will continue to be forces to reckon with as the season unfolds.
