The Midlothian Trojans (21-3) will face the Albemarle Patriots (22-2) in a home playoff match today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region C Tournament for Class 5.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: Midlothian vs Albemarle
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region Brackets (Virginia) – Class 5 Region C
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Game preview: Midlothian vs Albemarle

As the Virginia high school volleyball season progresses, two teams have emerged as dominant forces in their respective divisions: Albemarle and Midlothian. With stellar records, impressive statistics, and a head-to-head rivalry on the horizon, these two teams are setting the stage for an exciting postseason battle.

Albemarle’s Record and Performance

Albemarle has been nothing short of dominant this season, boasting an overall record of 22-2. Their region performance has been perfect, with a 14-0 record in league play and an additional 8-1 record in away games. The team has displayed remarkable consistency throughout the season, achieving an impressive .917 overall win percentage and an unblemished .1000 region win percentage.

The team’s scoring average per set has been consistently strong, with the highest averages coming in the early stages of the season, particularly in sets 1 and 2 (23.7 and 23.8, respectively). Their wins have been marked by a solid team effort, with an average of 3.0 sets won per match, showcasing their ability to close out games effectively.

Midlothian’s Record and Performance

Midlothian, with a record of 21-3, has also had an outstanding season. Like Albemarle, they have dominated their region, finishing with a perfect 15-0 record in league play. The team’s performance in away games has been remarkable, with a 9-0 record. They also boast a flawless 1-0 neutral-site record, underscoring their ability to win under various conditions. Midlothian’s overall win percentage of .875 is impressive, though it falls slightly behind Albemarle’s.

Midlothian’s scoring averages are slightly lower than Albemarle’s but still highly competitive. They average around 20.3 points in the first set, with the scoring numbers gradually tapering in later sets (15.5 in set 4). Nevertheless, their ability to win 2.8 sets per match suggests they are more than capable of overcoming adversity and emerging victorious.

Common Opponents: A Look at Head-to-Head Results

When looking at common opponents, Albemarle and Midlothian have faced off against similar teams, with interesting results. Albemarle has a 1-1 record against their common opponents, having lost to Massaponax (3-1) while defeating James River (3-0). Midlothian, on the other hand, has gone 3-0 against the same teams, securing victories against both James River (3-0) and Massaponax (3-0).

This discrepancy in results could provide valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each team. Midlothian’s perfect record against the common teams suggests they may have the edge in terms of adaptability and execution. However, Albemarle’s close loss to Massaponax could signal potential areas of improvement as they prepare for their postseason run.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Implications

Both teams are yet to face each other this season, but their records suggest that a head-to-head showdown will be a must-watch event. With Albemarle at 14-1 at home and Midlothian boasting a 9-0 away record, both teams will feel confident in their respective environments. The matchup could come down to which team performs best under pressure, with both squads showing they can handle the rigors of league and playoff competition.

As the postseason draws near, both Albemarle and Midlothian will be looking to carry their momentum forward, aiming to claim a state championship. With both teams undefeated in the playoffs thus far (2-0 for Albemarle and 2-0 for Midlothian), the competition is heating up, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.

Conclusion

With their impressive records and well-rounded teams, Albemarle and Midlothian have firmly established themselves as two of the top volleyball programs in Virginia. While both have different styles of play and scoring patterns, they share one thing in common: a relentless drive to win. As these two powerhouses look ahead to the postseason, the stage is set for a potential showdown that could define the state’s volleyball landscape for years to come.