The Riverside Rams (24-1) varsity volleyball team from Leesburg, VA, will face Independence (12-7) from Ashburn, VA, in a neutral-site playoff match today at 6:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 VHSL Girls Volleyball Region D Tournament for Class 5 in Virginia.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

As the 2024-2025 volleyball season draws to a close, the fierce rivalry between Independence and Riverside stands out as one of the most exciting and competitive matchups in Virginia’s high school sports landscape. With both teams boasting impressive records and high-level play, the rivalry has reached new heights this season, making for an intriguing contest between two of the region’s top teams.

Team Records and Performance

Independence High School, based in Ashburn, VA, has posted a solid 12-7 overall record for the season. The team has shown resilience, earning a 6-2 record in both regional and home games. Their win percentage stands at a respectable .632, with a 75% success rate in region play. Despite a tough schedule, the team has managed to hold its ground, especially in the home and away games, with a 5-4 record on the road.

On the other hand, Riverside High School from Leesburg, VA, has been a dominant force this season with a near-perfect 24-1 record. Their performance in regional play has been equally impressive, going 9-1 with a remarkable 13-0 record in away games. Riverside’s win percentage of .960 highlights their superiority, and with a 90% win rate in region play, they are undoubtedly one of the top volleyball teams in the area.

Head-to-Head Matchups

The rivalry between these two teams has provided some thrilling moments this season, with Riverside edging out Independence in several key encounters.

• On September 7, 2024, Riverside won the first match of the season with a 2-0 victory over Independence at a neutral site.
• However, on September 30, 2024, Independence responded with a hard-fought 3-2 win at home, showing their resilience and determination.
• Riverside then regained the upper hand with a 3-0 victory over Independence on October 21, 2024, followed by another tight 3-2 win in a playoff match on October 30, 2024.

In their most recent contest, Riverside triumphed 3-0 on October 21, continuing their dominant run in the head-to-head matchups.

Scoring Averages and Style of Play

When comparing the scoring averages, Riverside has consistently outscored Independence throughout the season. Riverside’s offensive power has been evident with an average of 23.6 points per set in the first set, followed by a consistent performance across the other sets, where they maintain an average of 22-24 points per set. This scoring ability has been crucial to their success in both regional and non-regional games.

Independence, meanwhile, has shown a more balanced offensive output with an average of 13.8 points per set in the first set and a steady increase through the remaining sets. While their offensive numbers may not match Riverside’s firepower, their consistency in clutch moments has kept them competitive.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, but Riverside has been consistently more dominant, finishing with a perfect 13-0 record against these teams, while Independence has posted a 10-3 record. Notably, both teams defeated Potomac Falls and Lightridge, with Riverside securing stronger wins, including a 3-0 sweep over Potomac Falls on multiple occasions.

However, Independence’s victories against schools like Freedom and Broad Run highlight their capability to compete at a high level, particularly in non-league play, where Riverside has also shown dominance.

Playoff Outlook

As both teams head into the postseason, Riverside’s flawless record and overpowering performances make them the favorites, but Independence’s ability to deliver upset victories, especially at home, ensures they should not be counted out. Riverside’s postseason dominance has been on display with a perfect 3-0 record in neutral-site playoff games, while Independence has shown a 2-1 playoff record. The upcoming matches between these teams will surely be ones to watch as both strive to add another chapter to their already storied rivalry.

In conclusion, the 2024-2025 volleyball season has proven that Riverside’s strength in numbers and consistent performances make them a formidable opponent, but Independence’s fighting spirit and ability to pull off close wins make this rivalry one of the most thrilling in Virginia volleyball. As they prepare for their final matches, fans can expect nothing less than high intensity and hard-fought battles between these two elite teams.