The McLean Highlanders (20-0, VA) varsity volleyball team will host a playoff match against the Oakton Cougars (18-3, Vienna, VA) today at 6 p.m. This match is part of the 2024 VHSL Boys Volleyball Region Brackets (Virginia) – Class 6 Region D tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: McLean vs Oakton
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 VHSL Boys Volleyball Region Brackets (Virginia) – Class 6 Region D (Class 6 C/D)
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: McLean vs Oakton
As the 2024-2025 volleyball season nears its climax, two powerhouse teams in Virginia—Oakton and McLean—stand out not only for their dominant performances but also for their compelling rivalry. Both teams have been exceptional in their regional and national campaigns, boasting impressive records and strong player performances. Here’s a closer look at these two top-tier teams and how they measure up against each other.
Team Records and Rankings
Oakton High School (24-25):
- National Rank: 41
- Virginia State Rank: 15
- Division Rank: 7
- Overall Record: 18-3
- Region Record: 11-1
- Home Record: 10-0
- Away Record: 8-3
- Win Percentage: .857
- Region Win Percentage: .917
Oakton has demonstrated consistent success, particularly at home, where they are undefeated. Their only losses have come in tough away games, but they remain a dominant force in their region, with an impressive win percentage.
McLean High School (24-25):
- National Rank: 16
- Virginia State Rank: 6
- Division Rank: 3
- Overall Record: 20-0
- Region Record: 8-0
- Home Record: 11-0
- Away Record: 8-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Win Percentage: 1.000
- Region Win Percentage: 1.000
McLean’s perfect season stands as a testament to their formidable roster and well-coached play. With an unblemished record both at home and on the road, McLean has proven to be nearly unbeatable, asserting dominance over every opponent they’ve faced.
Team Scoring Averages and Key Stats
Oakton:
- Scoring Average per Set: 23.6, 23.1, 23.7, 24.9, 15.0
- Wins: 2.6 per set
McLean:
- Scoring Average per Set: 25.0 (uniform across all sets)
- Wins: 3.0 per set
McLean edges Oakton in scoring efficiency, maintaining a higher average in every set. Their balanced attack and consistent scoring make them a high-flying team capable of maintaining dominance from start to finish.
Team Comparison: Stat Leaders
Both Oakton and McLean have standout players, but Oakton’s #12 Alex Rucinskas has been the heart of their offensive firepower. Rucinskas leads in multiple categories:
- Kills: 263
- Serving Aces: 41
- Digs: 132
McLean, on the other hand, has no listed player stats comparable to Rucinskas, but the team’s overall performance suggests an all-around strength with exceptional teamwork.
Common Opponents
Both Oakton and McLean faced several of the same opponents during the season. Notably:
- George C. Marshall: Both teams secured victories—Oakton won 3-2, while McLean dominated with 3-0 wins in all encounters.
- Meridian: Oakton won 3-1, while McLean won 3-0 on all occasions.
- West Springfield: Oakton lost 3-0, but McLean defeated them 3-0.
- South Lakes: Oakton had a close 3-1 loss early in the season, but McLean triumphed 3-0 in both of their encounters.
Despite a few differing outcomes in matchups against common opponents, both teams have proven their ability to rise to the occasion against tough competition.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
As of now, Oakton and McLean have not faced off directly this season, but their records suggest an inevitable clash that could decide regional supremacy. Both teams have made their mark with strong league performances, with Oakton holding a slightly higher region win percentage and McLean remaining flawless across the board.
Record Breakdown
Oakton:
- Overall Record: 18-3
- League Record: 11-1
- Non-League Record: 4-2
- Playoff Record: 3-0
- In-State Record: 18-3
- Out-of-State Record: 0-0
McLean:
- Overall Record: 20-0
- League Record: 8-0
- Non-League Record: 9-0
- Playoff Record: 3-0
- In-State Record: 20-0
- Out-of-State Record: 0-0
McLean’s perfect season has made them the favorite heading into any potential match-up. However, Oakton’s track record in-state, with a 18-3 mark, shows that they are well-positioned to challenge McLean’s undefeated streak if they were to meet in the postseason.
Conclusion
The upcoming weeks will likely see Oakton and McLean continue their impressive runs, but a showdown between these two teams is inevitable, and it will be one for the ages. McLean’s perfect season and Oakton’s strong regional dominance promise an exciting and highly competitive match-up when they finally meet on the court. With both teams playing at such a high level, it will be a battle of not just skill, but also strategy, as they aim to prove who is truly the best in Virginia high school volleyball.
