The Iola (TX) varsity volleyball team will face Crawford (TX) in a neutral playoff match today at 5 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Volleyball State Championships – Conference 2A D2” tournament.

Iola vs Crawford Volleyball Game Info:

What: Texas High School Volleyball
Who: Iola vs Crawford
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 5 PM
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Volleyball State Championships – 2024 Volleyball Conference 2A D2
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Game preview: Iola vs Crawford

The 2024-25 volleyball season has showcased two Texas titans: Crawford and Iola. Both teams boast impressive records and statistics, making their impending clash highly anticipated. Here’s a detailed look at how these teams compare and what to expect.

Team Performance and Rankings

Crawford, ranked 48th in Texas and first in its state division, holds a stellar 43-5 overall record. Dominating their district with a perfect 10-0 mark, they’ve been formidable at home (9-1), on the road (14-3), and at neutral venues (20-1). Their win percentage of .896 underscores their consistency.

Meanwhile, Iola, ranked 31st in Texas and third in their division, carries a slightly better overall record of 45-6. They, too, remain undefeated in district play at 8-0, with a spotless home record (16-0). Their .882 win percentage is a testament to their resilience and competitive edge.

Scoring Averages

Both teams demonstrate remarkable scoring consistency across sets, but their styles show subtle differences:

• Crawford: Averages above 24 points in the first four sets but drops to 18 in deciding sets. Their efficiency in the opening sets speaks to their strong starts.
• Iola: Slightly outpaces Crawford, especially in the decisive fourth set, averaging 25 points. This indicates a strong finish in close games.

Statistical Dominance

Key statistics highlight each team’s strengths:

• Crawford:
  • Kills: 1,639, with Bre Featherston leading with 488.
  • Digs: 1,919, anchored by Laney Elmore’s 686.
  • Serving Aces: 449, with Blair Keith’s 131 aces shining.
  • Assists: 1,455, also led by Keith with 1,216.
  • Receptions: 1,907, Elmore leading again with 893.
• Iola: While specific numbers weren’t available, their undefeated home record and common opponent performance suggest a well-rounded team capable of matching Crawford’s firepower.

Common Opponent Analysis

Both teams have faced Franklin and Lorena, with Iola slightly outperforming Crawford:

• Crawford defeated Franklin 3-1 and Lorena 3-0.
• Iola swept both teams, including a 3-0 win over Franklin and two 2-0 victories against Lorena.

Iola’s clean sweeps highlight their ability to dominate, while Crawford’s competitive wins showcase their grit.

Record Breakdown

The parallels between these two teams are striking:

• Overall Records: Crawford 43-5; Iola 45-6.
• Playoffs: Both are undefeated at 5-0.
• In-State Records: Crawford 42-5; Iola 45-6.

Notably, Iola holds a slight edge in non-league and home game performance, whereas Crawford excels at neutral venues.

What to Watch For

This matchup pits Crawford’s balanced attack against Iola’s unyielding defense and finishing prowess. Key players like Crawford’s Bre Featherston and Laney Elmore will need to deliver standout performances to counter Iola’s cohesive team dynamics.

Conclusion

The showdown between Crawford and Iola promises to be a clash of Texas volleyball giants. With both teams boasting near-identical records, undefeated district runs, and dominant playoff performances, this game could come down to who executes better in the critical moments.

Fans should prepare for a thrilling battle that could very well determine the top team in their division—and perhaps the state.