The Richard Montgomery Rockets (22-1) varsity volleyball team from Rockville, MD, will face the Churchill Bulldogs (11-6) from Potomac, MD, in a neutral playoff match today. This game is part of the “2024 Maryland High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – Class 4A” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Maryland High School Volleyball
Who: Richard Montgomery vs Churchill
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – Class 4A
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Game preview: Richard Montgomery vs Churchill

The ongoing volleyball rivalry between Churchill and Richard Montgomery has been one for the books this season. Both teams have shown impressive records, but the head-to-head matches have revealed a clear hierarchy, with Richard Montgomery continuing to reign as the dominant force in Maryland volleyball. Here’s a breakdown of their records, stats, and key moments from their competitive season.

Overall Records and Rankings

• Churchill: 11-6 overall, 7-3 in the region, 2-1 at home, 1-3 away, and 8-2 on neutral courts, with a win percentage of .647 and a regional win percentage of .700.
• Richard Montgomery: 22-1 overall, 5-0 in the region, 14-1 at home, 7-0 away, and 1-0 on neutral courts. Their win percentage stands at an impressive .957, with a perfect regional win percentage of 1.000.

Team Scoring Averages

• Churchill: Averaging 25.4 points per set in their wins, but their scoring drops to 2.3 points per set in losses.
• Richard Montgomery: A near-unstoppable force, averaging 24.3 points per set in their wins, with only a small drop to 15.0 points per set in their rare losses.

Head-to-Head Encounters

The two teams faced off multiple times during the season, with Richard Montgomery taking both matchups:

• September 28, 2024: Richard Montgomery won 2-1 in an intense match where Churchill struggled to maintain their momentum after a strong start.
• October 21, 2024: Richard Montgomery triumphed 3-1, coming from behind to win three straight sets after dropping the first to Churchill.

Upcoming Match

The two teams will meet again in a neutral playoff match today, with both sides eager to prove themselves in this high-stakes encounter. Richard Montgomery’s perfect regional record and overall dominance make them the favorite, but Churchill will be hoping to turn the tables in this crucial postseason clash.

Team Statistical Comparison

• Churchill: The team has recorded 785 kills, 160 blocks, and 293 serving aces. They also have 691 digs and 707 assists.
• Richard Montgomery: With 785 kills and 160 blocks, their stats are similarly strong, but they lead with 293 serving aces, 691 digs, and 707 assists, showing their all-around dominance.

Key Player Performances

• Churchill:
  • Ema Djordjevic leads in kills (225) and serving aces (65), showing her critical role in their offensive push.
  • Ana Djordjevic has contributed 141 digs, while Amy Ye has notched up 263 assists to keep the team in top form.
  • Ellie Mitchell leads in receptions with 236.
• Richard Montgomery:
  • Rachel Morrow has dominated with 51 kills and 16 serving aces, while Samantha Lee has added 82 digs to the team’s defensive strength.
  • Julia Kim and Katherine Lee have been pivotal in assists (48) and receptions (85), respectively.

Common Opponents Breakdown

• Both teams share a few opponents during the season, and while Churchill has a 7-2 record against these common foes, Richard Montgomery has a stellar 11-1 record, further solidifying their status as the team to beat.

Conclusion

As the season moves toward the playoffs, Richard Montgomery continues to establish themselves as the powerhouse in Maryland volleyball, boasting a near-perfect record and a deep roster. Churchill, while impressive in its own right, will look to build on its strong regional play and learn from its head-to-head losses. The upcoming playoff match could be the perfect opportunity for Churchill to upset the defending champion and make a statement in the postseason. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but the stakes are certainly high in this showdown of Maryland volleyball titans.