The Rutgers Prep (Somerset, NJ) varsity volleyball team is facing St. Mary (Rutherford, NJ) in a neutral-site playoff match today. This game is part of the 2024 New Jersey High School State Girls Volleyball Tournament – NJSIAA Non-Public B Tournament.
Rutgers Prep vs St. Mary Volleyball Game Info:
What: New Jersey High School Volleyball
Who: Rutgers Prep vs St. Mary
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School State Girls Volleyball Tournament – NJSIAA Non-Public B Tournament
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Game preview: Rutgers Prep vs St. Mary
As the 2024-2025 high school sports season progresses, two teams that have been turning heads with impressive records and performances are St. Mary and Rutgers Prep. Both teams have put up strong showings in their respective leagues, and a comparison of their stats reveals how closely matched they are in terms of success on the field.
St. Mary (24-25) Overview
St. Mary has posted a solid 15-6 record overall, with an undefeated 4-0 record in league play. This indicates their dominance within their division, as they’ve shown consistent excellence when facing league opponents. The team has an overall win percentage of .714, and their performance on the road (7-4) has been just as effective as their home games (5-2). Notably, St. Mary has been a force in neutral-site games, where they maintain a perfect 3-0 record. Their success is reflected in their scoring averages, with the team putting up an average of 24.0 points in their first season, slightly improving to 25.3 points in season 2, and maintaining a strong 25.0 points in season 3, showcasing their offensive consistency throughout the year.
Rutgers Prep (24-25) Overview
Rutgers Prep, with a near-identical overall record of 15-6-1, has had a very successful campaign, too. The team has a slightly lower league win percentage of .667, having gone 2-1 in league play. Their overall win percentage stands at .705, showing consistent performance, particularly in non-league games, where they have a 10-5-1 record. Like St. Mary, Rutgers Prep excels both at home (5-2) and on the road (7-4-1). Their performance in neutral-site games has been almost flawless, going 3-0. Rutgers Prep’s team scoring averages are similarly strong, with 22.3 points in season 1, 24.8 in season 2, and 23.0 in season 3, indicating a steady offensive output.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Both teams have an equal number of wins and losses in their respective records, but St. Mary has a slight edge in their league dominance with their perfect 4-0 league record. In contrast, Rutgers Prep’s 2-1 league performance suggests a more competitive field. While the two teams haven’t faced off head-to-head this season, their records suggest a high likelihood of an exciting contest should they meet on the field.
Strengths Across the Board
- Playoff Performance: Both teams have been perfect in playoff matchups, each going 3-0, which is a testament to their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
- Home and Away Games: St. Mary and Rutgers Prep are both strong at home and on the road, with St. Mary having a slight edge in their away record, but both teams excel in all settings, including neutral sites.
- Scoring Consistency: St. Mary’s ability to sustain high-scoring averages (24-25 points) outshines Rutgers Prep’s, who have hovered around the 22-24 point mark across the seasons.
Conclusion
With nearly identical overall records and impressive performances across various facets of the game, both St. Mary and Rutgers Prep stand as formidable opponents. The difference in their season highlights—St. Mary’s unbeaten league record and Rutgers Prep’s stronger non-league performance—sets up a compelling narrative for their rivalry moving forward. Regardless of their head-to-head matchups, both teams have proven themselves to be top contenders in the state, with each showing the ability to adapt and excel under different circumstances. Whether they meet in playoffs or face-off in non-league games, one thing is for sure: these teams are among the best of the best in New Jersey this season.