The Oak Ridge Trojans (23-14) varsity volleyball team from El Dorado Hills, CA, will host a playoff match against the Valley Christian Warriors (15-15) from San Jose, CA, today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division II tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Volleyball
Who: Oak Ridge vs Valley Christian
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division II
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Game preview: Oak Ridge vs Valley Christian
As the 2024 California high school volleyball season progressed, Oak Ridge High School and Valley Christian High School emerged as notable teams, each showing strength in different areas. Although both teams displayed admirable talent and determination, Oak Ridge’s consistent performance and superior record set them apart as a leading team in their division.
Season Overview
Oak Ridge High School holds an impressive 23-14 record, with a .622 win percentage that surpasses Valley Christian’s even 15-15 season, marked by a .500 win percentage. While both teams have played a rigorous schedule, Oak Ridge stands out with a 10-4 record in league play, a stark contrast to Valley Christian’s 2-9 league record. Oak Ridge’s strong league performance has earned them a high ranking in both their section and division, placing them at 72nd in the state and 8th in their section. Valley Christian, however, ranks at 141st in the state and 16th in their section, reflecting their challenges within league play.
Scoring Averages and Strengths
Both teams show close scoring averages, but Oak Ridge slightly edges out Valley Christian in consistency and finishing strength. Oak Ridge’s scoring averages in the first four sets are 21.0, 22.4, 20.1, and 22.5, respectively. Valley Christian also maintains competitive averages—21.7, 21.1, 19.1, and 20.3—indicating their ability to keep games close. However, Oak Ridge’s higher win-related averages, with 15 points per set in wins compared to Valley Christian’s 7 points, underline their capacity to seal victories more effectively.
Key Players and Team Statistics
Individual performances highlight some standout talents across both rosters. Oak Ridge’s Riley Elliott leads the team with 173 kills, and Ella Hieb shines as both a leader in serving aces (48) and assists (455), making her invaluable to Oak Ridge’s offensive strategies. Defensively, Kaya Charles leads in blocks with 53, while Londyn Welcher anchors the back row with 272 digs. These statistics showcase a well-rounded Oak Ridge lineup that excels in various phases of the game.
Valley Christian also has its own stars, though their overall team statistics lag behind Oak Ridge’s. Ella Hieb is the standout with 48 serving aces and 455 assists, underscoring her critical role in setting up offensive opportunities. Riley Elliott contributes significantly with 410 receptions, indicating her solid performance in supporting the team defensively.
Common Opponents and Playoff Prospects
When facing common opponents, both teams struggled, with Valley Christian going 0-3 and Oak Ridge 0-2. Losses to St. Mary’s and Archbishop Mitty indicate that both teams have had challenges against elite competition. Despite these setbacks, Oak Ridge’s strong overall and league record gives them a promising outlook for playoff success. Both teams have a 1-1 record in playoff games this season, which points to the possibility of rematches and further competition between the two as the postseason unfolds.
Conclusion
Oak Ridge’s combination of standout individual performances, strong teamwork, and a higher win percentage solidify their position as the stronger team this season. Valley Christian has shown resilience, but with a less consistent league performance and fewer dominant team statistics, they will need to make adjustments to close the gap with top-tier teams like Oak Ridge. As the postseason approaches, Oak Ridge’s momentum suggests they could be a formidable competitor, potentially poised for a deep playoff run.
