The Liberty Lions (20-11) varsity volleyball team from Peoria, AZ, will face off against the Sunnyslope Vikings (25-8) from Phoenix, AZ, in a neutral-site playoff match on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Volleyball
Who: Liberty vs Sunnyslope
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A
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Game preview: Liberty vs Sunnyslope

As the 2024-2025 volleyball season progresses, two powerhouse teams, Sunnyslope and Liberty, are set to clash in a thrilling non-conference match this coming Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. in Phoenix, AZ. This exciting matchup pits two teams with strong records, impressive individual stats, and a history of success in the sport. Here’s a closer look at both teams as they prepare for their upcoming showdown.

Team Overview:

Sunnyslope (Phoenix, AZ)

• Record: 25-8 overall, 4-4 in section play
• Home Record: 8-2
• Away Record: 6-3
• Neutral Site Record: 11-3
• Win %: .758
• Section %: .500

Sunnyslope enters the match with a strong overall win percentage, supported by a solid record both at home and on the road. With 70 wins and 31 losses in the season, they are a formidable force, particularly when playing on neutral courts. Their team scoring averages are impressive, with 23.6 points per match in the first set and 23.9 in the second, demonstrating their consistency in attack throughout games.

Liberty (Peoria, AZ)

• Record: 20-11 overall, 6-2 in section play
• Home Record: 7-3
• Away Record: 7-1
• Neutral Site Record: 6-7
• Win %: .645
• Section %: .750

Liberty, while slightly behind Sunnyslope in terms of overall record, has had a strong section performance with a 6-2 record. Their overall win percentage of .645 speaks to a team that has been competitive throughout the season. Liberty’s scoring averages are close to Sunnyslope’s, with their highest set scoring averages peaking at 22.5 points in both the fourth and fifth sets.

Statistical Comparison:

Both teams are statistically well-matched, which makes this matchup even more intriguing.

• Kills: Sunnyslope has 1,089 kills, while Liberty has 1,093, making them nearly identical in offensive output.
• Blocks: Sunnyslope edges Liberty slightly with 151 total blocks to Liberty’s 149.
• Serving Aces: Sunnyslope trails by just one ace, with 198 to Liberty’s 189.
• Digs: Liberty has a slight edge with 1,250 digs compared to Sunnyslope’s 1,238.
• Assists: Liberty also leads in assists, with 1,029 compared to Sunnyslope’s 965.

Team Leaders:

• Sunnyslope:
  • Kills: Georgi Stein (284)
  • Blocks: Josie Portela (63)
  • Serving Aces: Kaia Pixler (38)
  • Digs: Kaia Pixler (216)
  • Assists: Kaia Pixler (728)
  • Receptions: Georgi Stein (314)
• Liberty:
  • Kills: Lauren Forelli (273)
  • Blocks: Haley Shinske (72)
  • Serving Aces: Tristen Raymond (37)
  • Digs: Ella Petcu (344)
  • Assists: Tristen Raymond (469)
  • Receptions: Ella Petcu (541)

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents this season, with Sunnyslope having a 13-6 record against these teams and Liberty holding a 9-7 record. Some notable shared victories include wins over Mesa, Queen Creek, and Boulder Creek, though both teams also have a few losses against tough competition like O’Connor and Xavier College Prep.

Head-to-Head:

The upcoming match between Sunnyslope and Liberty will be a neutral-site playoff battle, with both teams entering with competitive records in playoff situations. Sunnyslope holds a 22-6 record in-state, while Liberty’s playoff experience includes a 1-0 record in neutral matches.

Conclusion:

With both teams entering this match with similar statistical profiles, the outcome will likely hinge on key individual performances and how each team can capitalize on their strengths. Sunnyslope boasts a solid offense and defense, while Liberty’s strength lies in its serving and defensive stats. Fans can expect an exciting contest with intense rallies, big plays, and crucial moments that could decide the fate of this highly anticipated volleyball match. Be sure to tune in to witness two of Arizona’s top teams face off for supremacy.