The Mica Mountain Thunderbolts (24-10) will host the Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks (18-18) in a home playoff match on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Volleyball
Who: Mica Mountain vs Ironwood Ridge
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A
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Game preview: Mica Mountain vs Ironwood Ridge
The Ironwood Ridge and Mica Mountain volleyball teams are gearing up for an exciting playoff match on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:00 p.m. The matchup between these two Tucson rivals promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams come into the game with solid records and a history of competitive encounters.
Team Overview and Records
Ironwood Ridge (24-25) has had an overall balanced season with a 18-18 record. The team finished their section play with a strong 5-3 mark and posted impressive home and away splits (8-2 at home, 6-2 away). Their win percentage sits at .500, but they are solid contenders in their section with a .625 section win rate.
Mica Mountain (24-25) enters the match with a 24-10 record and a dominant 6-2 section performance. The team’s overall win percentage is a respectable .706, and their section win rate is even higher at .750. Mica Mountain has excelled both at home (9-2) and on the road (8-1), showing their versatility and ability to perform in various environments.
Scoring Averages and Head-to-Head History
Ironwood Ridge has averaged 21.4 points per set in their first five matches, while Mica Mountain has averaged 23.4 points per set. This indicates that Mica Mountain has been slightly more efficient in their scoring, but Ironwood Ridge has the potential to be explosive when they get going.
The teams have already faced off twice this season, each claiming one victory. Ironwood Ridge took the first meeting on October 10, winning 3-2, with set scores of 23-25, 25-18, 17-25, 25-23, and 15-8. In the second encounter on October 24, Mica Mountain came out on top with a dominant 3-1 victory, with set scores of 25-23, 25-18, 24-26, and 25-22.
This makes the playoff showdown an intriguing rubber match, where both teams are looking to claim the upper hand in this highly competitive rivalry.
Key Players and Stat Comparison
Ironwood Ridge is led by standout players like Kallie George, who has accumulated 315 kills, and Maria Lemas, with 42 serving aces. Their defense is also bolstered by George’s 249 digs, and Lydia Litkenhus, who has 630 assists. These players will be key to Ironwood Ridge’s chances of securing a victory.
On the other hand, Mica Mountain boasts standout performers such as Aubrie Fellmeth, who has racked up 274 kills, and Amaris Biancuzzo, with 102 total blocks. Jayden Nugent has contributed 212 digs, and Addison Andrews has recorded a team-high 829 assists. These leaders have been instrumental in Mica Mountain’s successful season, and their performances will be crucial in this playoff match.
Common Opponents and Record Breakdown
Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with Mica Mountain holding a slight edge in the win column against these rivals (10-1 vs. Ironwood Ridge’s 9-2). However, Ironwood Ridge has shown resilience, winning matches against tough opponents like Catalina Foothills and ALA – Queen Creek, while Mica Mountain has been equally successful in similar contests.
Ironwood Ridge’s consistency at home (8-2) and Mica Mountain’s dominance on the road (8-1) could play a pivotal role in the outcome of this playoff match. With both teams having won their playoff openers, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.
What to Expect in the Playoff Match
The upcoming match between Ironwood Ridge and Mica Mountain is expected to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams having proven they can rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. The key to victory for Ironwood Ridge will be their ability to capitalize on their offensive firepower, particularly through Kallie George’s leadership and solid defensive performances. For Mica Mountain, controlling the tempo and utilizing the powerful hitting of Aubrie Fellmeth and the setting expertise of Addison Andrews will be critical to their success.
With both teams having a 1-1 record in head-to-head matchups this season, Tuesday’s game will likely be a closely contested, high-energy affair. Volleyball fans in Tucson are in for an exciting evening as these two talented teams battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
