The Notre Dame Prep Saints (25-9) from Scottsdale, AZ, will face the Centennial Coyotes (29-9) from Peoria, 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 5A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Volleyball
Who: Notre Dame Prep vs Centennial
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Girls Volleyball Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Notre Dame Prep vs Centennial

As the high school volleyball season draws to a close, two powerhouse teams in Arizona—Centennial and Notre Dame Prep—are making their mark with impressive records, stats, and an intense rivalry. The two teams will face off in a highly anticipated neutral playoff match on November 12, 2024, at 6:30 PM.

Team Records and Performance

The Centennial Eagles (Peoria, AZ) have an overall record of 29-9 for the 2024-2025 season, with an 8-2 performance in their section games. They boast a strong home record of 10-3 and have secured 11 neutral wins against five losses. With a solid win percentage of .763 and a section win percentage of .800, Centennial is riding high with consistent performances both in and out of state.

On the other hand, Notre Dame Prep (Scottsdale, AZ) comes in with a 25-9 record, having gone 9-3 in their section play. Their overall performance includes an 11-2 record at home and a 6-4 record in neutral games. Notre Dame Prep has a win percentage of .735 and a section win percentage of .750, showing they’re no slouch either when it comes to high-stakes games.

Head-to-Head Results

The most recent encounter between these two teams was on October 5, 2024, where Notre Dame Prep defeated Centennial in a neutral tournament match, winning 2-0 with scores of 25-15 and 25-12. This victory adds to Notre Dame Prep’s edge in their head-to-head matchups, where they hold a 1-0 record against Centennial this season. However, with a new playoff match approaching, Centennial will be looking for revenge and to shift the momentum in their favor.

Statistical Comparison

When it comes to team stats, both teams have demonstrated remarkable talent across various categories.

• Kills: Centennial leads slightly with 1150 compared to Notre Dame Prep’s 1118.
• Total Blocks: Centennial trails by three, with 124 blocks to Notre Dame Prep’s 127.
• Serving Aces: Centennial has the edge here with 370 aces to Notre Dame Prep’s 291.
• Digs: Notre Dame Prep has the advantage in digs, with 1631 compared to Centennial’s 1305.
• Assists: Centennial’s 1096 assists outpace Notre Dame Prep’s 1055, showing strong playmaking abilities on both teams.

Player Highlights

Centennial’s offensive leader is Payton Whalen, who has recorded 383 kills, while Kate Federico contributes significantly with 83 serving aces and 390 digs. On the defensive side, Alexa Lara has been a blocking force with 42 total blocks.

For Notre Dame Prep, Payton Palecek leads with 204 kills, while Mya Clay is a standout in total blocks with 50. Emma McSorley excels in digs with 396, and Lauren Watson has contributed 578 assists.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents throughout the season, with impressive results. Centennial and Notre Dame Prep both secured dominant wins over teams like Desert Mountain, ALA – Gilbert North, and Ironwood. However, both teams suffered losses to Horizon, proving that even the strongest squads can be challenged by the right opposition.

In their matchups against Desert Mountain, both teams were victorious, with Centennial winning 3-0 on September 3 and Notre Dame Prep following suit with a 3-0 win on October 21. They also both defeated ALA – Gilbert North, with Centennial clinching a 3-0 win on September 5 and Notre Dame Prep winning 2-0 on September 7.

Looking Ahead

With both teams coming off strong performances against tough competition, this playoff match promises to be a thrilling battle. Centennial will seek redemption after their recent loss to Notre Dame Prep, and they will lean on their strong home court presence and powerful players like Whalen and Federico. Meanwhile, Notre Dame Prep will look to extend their head-to-head advantage with solid contributions from Palecek, McSorley, and Clay.

As the teams head into this crucial matchup, fans can expect a fast-paced and competitive contest. Both teams have proven they can handle adversity and deliver when it matters most. Whether Centennial can avenge their loss or Notre Dame Prep will further assert their dominance will make for a match to remember.

The stage is set, and it’s all on the line in this exciting volleyball showdown between Centennial and Notre Dame Prep on November 12.