The Hartsburg-Emden varsity volleyball team from Hartsburg, IL, will compete in a neutral playoff match against Illini Bluffs from Glasford, IL, today at 6:00 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 1A” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Illinois High School Volleyball
Who: Illini Bluffs vs Hartsburg-Emden
When: Today, November 11, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 1A
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Game preview: Illini Bluffs vs Hartsburg-Emden

In Illinois high school volleyball, Illini Bluffs and Hartsburg-Emden have consistently showcased their skill, discipline, and rivalry throughout the season. Both teams come into the playoffs with impressive records and stats, setting up an anticipated matchup.

Team Records & Standings

• Illini Bluffs
  • Overall Record: 24-8
  • Conference Record: 9-3
  • Class Ranking: 149
  • Win %: .750
• Hartsburg-Emden
  • Overall Record: 30-8
  • Conference Record: 7-0
  • Class Ranking: 38
  • Win %: .789

Hartsburg-Emden holds a more dominant position, particularly with a flawless conference record, while Illini Bluffs also shows a solid season with only a few conference losses.

Recent Head-to-Head Matchup

On October 17, Hartsburg-Emden defeated Illini Bluffs in a conference match with a 2-0 sweep (25-10, 25-15), showing a clear upper hand. This recent win provides Hartsburg-Emden with a psychological advantage heading into their playoff rematch.

Team Scoring Averages

• Illini Bluffs
  • Set 1: 23.1
  • Set 2: 23.3
  • Set 3: 20.5
  • Wins: 1.6 average sets
• Hartsburg-Emden
  • Set 1: 24.3
  • Set 2: 23.2
  • Set 3: 18.6
  • Wins: 1.7 average sets

Hartsburg-Emden slightly outpaces Illini Bluffs in average points per set, with both teams showing strong performances in early sets. However, Illini Bluffs’ tendency to drop slightly in Set 3 scoring may impact close matches.

Key Statistics Comparison

Hartsburg-Emden leads significantly in every major stat, with particularly strong figures in kills, digs, and assists. Their skill in digs and receptions demonstrates their defense and versatility, which could challenge Illini Bluffs’ attack strategy.

Team Leaders

• Illini Bluffs
  • Kills: Emerson Eeten (#23) – 52
  • Blocks: Brenna Davis (#11) – 38
  • Aces: Addie Woertz (#4) – 16
  • Digs: Brenna Davis (#11) – 24
  • Assists: Chloe Eeten (#6) – 66
  • Receptions: Emerson Eeten (#23) – 77
• Hartsburg-Emden
  • Kills: Alayna Briggs (#9) – 437
  • Blocks: Emma Eeten (#12) – 86
  • Aces: Alayna Briggs (#9) – 48
  • Digs: Alayna Briggs (#9) – 336
  • Assists: Celia Cross (#7) – 803
  • Receptions: Cambelle Hopkins (#1) – 425

Alayna Briggs shines as a powerhouse for Hartsburg-Emden, dominating in kills, aces, and digs. Her comprehensive skills make her a game-changer, while Illini Bluffs’ Emerson Eeten and Brenna Davis will be critical in challenging her play.

Record Breakdown & Common Opponents

• Common Opponent Record:
  • Illini Bluffs: 7-2
  • Hartsburg-Emden: 9-0

Hartsburg-Emden’s flawless record against common opponents highlights their edge in consistency. Notable matchups include both teams winning against schools like Princeville, Tremont, and Greenview, but Hartsburg-Emden achieved victories with fewer losses across the season.

Playoff Matchup Preview

With both teams entering the playoffs well-prepared, the October 17 match serves as a recent reminder of Hartsburg-Emden’s strength. For Illini Bluffs to counter this, they’ll need to improve their set averages and focus on defense to limit Hartsburg-Emden’s aggressive attacks.

Ultimately, this playoff game is likely to showcase intense rallies, strategic plays, and strong individual performances. Hartsburg-Emden enters as the favorite based on their record and previous head-to-head win, but Illini Bluffs could still surprise with an upset if they bring their top form.