The Lauralton Hall Crusaders (21-3) from Milford, CT, will face off against the Valley Regional Warriors (22-2) from Deep River, CT, in a neutral playoff match today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Connecticut Girls Volleyball State Tournament: CIAC – Class S.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Connecticut High School Volleyball
Who: Lauralton Hall vs Valley Regional
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 Connecticut Girls Volleyball State Tournament: CIAC – Class S
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Lauralton Hall vs Valley Regional

As the volleyball season heads into the postseason, two of Connecticut’s most dominant teams, Valley Regional and Lauralton Hall, have emerged as top contenders in the state. Both teams have posted impressive records, showcasing their strengths across multiple areas of the game. With similar overall success, yet distinct team profiles, this matchup promises to deliver exciting volleyball action.

Valley Regional: A Stronghold of Consistency

With a remarkable overall record of 22-2, Valley Regional has displayed exceptional consistency throughout the 2024-2025 season. Their .917 win percentage speaks volumes about their dominance, particularly within the league, where they went an outstanding 17-1. The team has shown great resilience both at home (12-1) and away (7-1), with a perfect 3-0 record in neutral-site games. The Knights’ strength is evident in their balanced offensive and defensive play, leading the state in several statistical categories, including kills (947) and digs (1451).

The Knights are led by standout players such as Regan Grow, who has racked up 294 kills, a key factor in the team’s offensive success. She is supported by a well-rounded cast, including Kellyn Kolber, who boasts 74 serving aces and 733 assists, and Hallie Moore, who contributes with 372 digs and 459 receptions. Valley Regional’s high-energy, fast-paced game, coupled with their defensive stability, gives them a strong edge.

Lauralton Hall: A Powerful and Balanced Squad

Lauralton Hall has similarly proven to be a force to be reckoned with, finishing the season with a 21-3 record. Their .875 win percentage and .941 league win percentage reflect their ability to perform under pressure, with their lone losses coming outside of league play. The team also excels in both home (9-1) and away (8-2) matches, and like Valley Regional, they boast a perfect 4-0 record in neutral-site contests.

Top performers for Lauralton Hall include Norah McNichols, who has accumulated 241 kills and 61 serving aces. Meanwhile, Charlotte McGinness leads the team in receptions with 213, and Amirah Easter has been crucial in the middle with 22 blocks and 256 assists. The team’s balanced attack and defensive prowess allow them to dominate in nearly every aspect of the game, ranking high in kills (633) and assists (580).

Team Comparison: A Statistical Showdown

When comparing both teams’ stats, the differences are subtle but significant. Valley Regional leads in key categories like total blocks (84 vs. 40) and serving aces (265 vs. 233), demonstrating their aggressive serving and net play. On the other hand, Lauralton Hall has a more well-rounded approach with strong performances in both offensive and defensive areas, including their superior reception numbers.

The following are key individual matchups:

• Kills: Regan Grow (Valley Regional) vs. Norah McNichols (Lauralton Hall). Both are highly efficient scorers and will be key to their team’s success.
• Blocks: Valley Regional’s strong blocking game, led by Regan Grow, will need to neutralize Lauralton Hall’s powerful attackers, particularly McNichols and Easter.
• Serving Aces: Kellyn Kolber’s 74 serving aces for Valley Regional could be the deciding factor in a tight match, with Lauralton Hall’s McNichols close behind with 61.

Common Opponents: A Preview of What’s to Come

Both teams share several common opponents this season, including North Branford, with both teams emerging victorious in all their encounters. Valley Regional’s 3-0 and 3-1 wins over North Branford demonstrate their dominance, while Lauralton Hall also recorded a 3-0 victory in their head-to-head matchups. These results indicate that both teams are capable of handling strong opposition and will likely come into their upcoming matchups with plenty of confidence.

Conclusion: A Showdown for the Ages

With their impressive records, diverse skill sets, and similar success against common opponents, Valley Regional and Lauralton Hall are set to meet in what promises to be a thrilling match in the postseason. Both teams have shown their ability to adapt, compete at the highest level, and execute under pressure. The outcome of this clash of titans will be determined by which team can leverage their strengths and adjust to their opponent’s strategies. Fans of Connecticut high school volleyball should be ready for a high-stakes showdown between two of the state’s best teams.