The Immaculate Heart Academy Blue Eagles (24-4) varsity volleyball team from Washington Township, NJ, will play a neutral-site playoff match against the Kent Place Dragons (15-9) from Summit, NJ, on Thursday, November 14. This game is part of the 2024 New Jersey High School State Girls Volleyball Tournament – North Jersey Non-Public Group A.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: New Jersey High School Volleyball
Who: Immaculate Heart Academy vs Kent Place
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School State Girls Volleyball Tournament – North Jersey Non-Public Group A
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Game preview: Immaculate Heart Academy vs Kent Place

As the high school volleyball season heads into its final stretch, two New Jersey teams, Kent Place and Immaculate Heart Academy, have made significant strides. Both teams have had standout seasons, with impressive records that highlight their respective strengths and areas for growth.

Rankings and Records

Immaculate Heart Academy (IHA) has set a high bar this season with a remarkable 24-4 overall record and an undefeated 6-0 league record. This places them prominently in Division 6, where they are ranked first. Their winning percentage of .857 and league dominance reflect a well-rounded and disciplined team. On the other hand, Kent Place has also put forth a solid effort with a 15-9 overall record, a 6-6 league record, and a .625 win percentage, ranking ninth in their division.

Team Scoring and Stat Comparisons

In terms of scoring averages per set, Immaculate Heart has maintained slightly higher and more consistent numbers, particularly in the first and second sets, where they average around 24 points. Kent Place has shown steady improvement across sets but often finds their scoring peak in the third set.

Looking deeper into team statistics, Immaculate Heart shows a significant advantage in kills, digs, serving aces, and assists. Their 694 kills, 865 digs, and 189 serving aces outshine Kent Place’s 94 kills, 219 digs, and 31 serving aces. These statistics highlight IHA’s more aggressive offensive style and superior defensive coverage, helping them stay ahead of the competition.

Key Players and Team Leaders

Individual standout performances have also defined each team’s success. Immaculate Heart’s #9, Julia Sobilo, has accumulated an impressive 198 kills, a figure that places her as one of the top hitters in the region. On the defensive side, #2 Maggie Polchin has racked up 245 digs, anchoring IHA’s backcourt. Furthermore, #15 Alessandra Nazor leads in assists with 346, showcasing the team’s highly coordinated play style.

Kent Place has relied heavily on #9 Julia Carey, who leads the team with 19 kills, and #21 Alexandria Grinis, who commands the defense with 87 digs. Though their statistics fall short of Immaculate Heart’s, these players are essential to Kent Place’s strategy and will need to perform at their peak if the team is to advance further.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced Union Catholic this season, and each encountered challenges. Kent Place fell to Union Catholic twice, while Immaculate Heart lost a close 2-1 match. This common record against Union Catholic highlights the competitive balance among top teams in the region. Notably, Kent Place and Immaculate Heart have not yet faced each other head-to-head this season, leaving the outcome of a potential matchup open to speculation.

Home and Away Performance

Home-court advantage has favored both teams, with Immaculate Heart boasting a strong 10-2 record at home and an equal 10-2 on the road. Kent Place has also been consistent at home (7-4), but their 6-5 away record suggests a bit more vulnerability on the road.

The Road Ahead

With both teams excelling this season, they are poised for deep playoff runs. Immaculate Heart, with its high-powered offense and depth, stands out as a potential title contender, but Kent Place’s resilience and determination could allow them to pull off a few surprises. A playoff clash between these two would certainly be one to watch, as both teams have the talent and ambition to go all the way.

In New Jersey high school volleyball, anything can happen, and both Kent Place and Immaculate Heart Academy are ready to make their mark. Will IHA’s dominance continue, or will Kent Place rally to challenge them in an unexpected showdown? Only time will tell.