The Liberty Christian Bulldogs (23-1) of Lynchburg, VA, will face off against the Alleghany Cougars (24-3) of Covington, VA, in a home playoff match today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region C Tournament for Class 3.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: Liberty Christian vs Alleghany
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3 Region C
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Game preview: Liberty Christian vs Alleghany
As the season progresses, the high school volleyball showdown between Alleghany and Liberty Christian has captured attention with their impressive records and dominant performances on the court. Both teams are ranked among the best in Virginia and have proven themselves time and time again against tough competition.
Season Overview
Alleghany enters the season with a remarkable 24-3 overall record, with an impressive 13-0 performance at home. They have been dominant on their home turf, but the team has faced challenges on the road, holding a solid 11-2 away record. With a .889 win percentage and a .833 win percentage in their region, they have been a force to be reckoned with. Key players like Kaiya Lian, who leads the team in kills, serving aces, digs, and receptions, have played a critical role in their success. Lian’s contributions have been pivotal, with 341 kills and 69 serving aces, along with 267 digs, showcasing her all-around abilities.
On the other hand, Liberty Christian boasts an even more impressive 23-1 record, with a perfect 14-0 region record. The team has been flawless in league play and equally strong on the road, with a 10-1 away record. Their overall win percentage stands at an outstanding .958, and they have been dominant in their region with a 1.000 win percentage. The key to their success has been players like Kenstin Phelps, who leads the team in kills (238), serving aces (54), and assists (352). Phelps has been a standout, helping Liberty Christian maintain their top-tier status.
Stat Comparison
When comparing key team statistics, the competition between the two schools becomes even more evident. Alleghany leads in total kills, with 972 compared to Liberty Christian’s 875. However, Liberty Christian excels in serving aces, with 297 compared to Alleghany’s 274. In terms of assists, Liberty Christian has a slight edge with 822 assists compared to Alleghany’s 938. Defensively, Alleghany leads in digs with 1,342, compared to Liberty Christian’s 886, but Liberty Christian’s defense is not far behind.
Player Highlights
For Alleghany, Kaiya Lian is undoubtedly the star. In addition to her impressive kills and serving aces, she leads the team with 258 receptions and 267 digs. Her all-around contributions have helped the team maintain its dominant record.
Meanwhile, Liberty Christian’s Kentin Phelps has been a standout with 238 kills, 54 serving aces, and 352 assists, showing her versatility as both a hitter and setter. Meagan Johnson has also been a key player, leading the team in digs with 274, contributing to their defensive strength.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, with Liberty Christian coming out on top in their matchups. For example, both teams played against Glass—Alleghany lost 2-1 on 9/21/24, while Liberty Christian secured a 3-1 victory on 9/24/24. Another example includes Brookville, where Alleghany triumphed 3-0 on 11/6/24, and Liberty Christian won 3-0 on 10/7/24 and 10/22/24. This trend of Liberty Christian outperforming Alleghany against common opponents has contributed to their perfect region record.
Head-to-Head Record
While both teams have had successful seasons, they have not yet met in official head-to-head play this season, making the anticipation even higher for when they do face off. However, based on their records and performances, Liberty Christian appears to have a slight edge heading into any potential matchups.
Looking Ahead
With Alleghany and Liberty Christian sitting at the top of the Virginia rankings, the next time they meet will be a highly anticipated clash. Both teams have shown exceptional prowess on the court, and their upcoming matchup promises to be one of the season’s most exciting. Whether Alleghany’s strong home performance or Liberty Christian’s undefeated region record prevails, fans are sure to witness an intense, action-packed game.
As the season heads into playoff contention, it’s clear that both teams are primed for a deep run, with the talent and drive to go all the way.
