The Sacred Heart Academy (Hamden, CT) varsity volleyball team, with a 23-3 record, will face the Granby Memorial Bears (Granby, CT) at 6 PM today in a neutral-site playoff match. This game is part of the 2024 Connecticut Girls Volleyball State Tournament: CIAC – Class M.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Connecticut High School Volleyball
Who: Sacred Heart Academy vs Granby Memorial
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 Connecticut Girls Volleyball State Tournament: CIAC – Class M
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Game preview: Sacred Heart Academy vs Granby Memorial

The stage is set for an exciting showdown in the volleyball world as Granby Memorial (24-1) takes on Sacred Heart Academy (23-3) in a neutral-site playoff match today at 6 p.m. Both teams have been dominant this season, with impressive overall records and strong performances in their respective leagues.

Granby Memorial: A Season of Excellence

Granby Memorial has been nothing short of spectacular this season, boasting a 24-1 overall record, with an outstanding 13-1 performance in their league. Their dominance on the court is evident from their impressive win percentage of .960 and league percentage of .929. The team has been led by standout players such as Jayne Hiatt, who has recorded 280 kills, and Olivia Teclaw, who leads with 628 assists. The team’s total blocks stand at 55, with Sage Pycz contributing 78 serving aces, and Sydney Lisowski leading the defense with 233 digs. Their consistent play at home (13-0) and away (10-1) underscores their strength across all venues.

Sacred Heart Academy: A Strong Contender

Sacred Heart Academy enters this match with a 23-3 record, including a 14-2 mark in their league. Their overall win percentage of .885 and league percentage of .875 are a testament to their strength throughout the season. Leading the way for Sacred Heart is Annika Burr, with 366 kills, and Maddy Burke, who has contributed 280 digs. The team’s serving aces (299) and total blocks (128) further demonstrate their versatility. The team’s solid performance at home (13-1) and away (10-1) makes them a formidable opponent for Granby Memorial.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The teams’ head-to-head record against common opponents shows Granby Memorial with a 2-0 advantage, having beaten Northwestern Regional 3-0 on both September 13 and October 18. Meanwhile, Sacred Heart Academy has also swept Northwestern Regional in a 3-0 victory on November 4. While both teams share similar success against common foes, this neutral-site match promises to be a thrilling battle.

Key Matchup: Team Scoring Averages

Both teams have been consistently strong offensively, with Granby Memorial averaging 25.0 points per match in their wins, while Sacred Heart Academy averages 24.3 points. Both squads excel in scoring and digging, with Granby Memorial recording 952 digs to Sacred Heart’s 1486. However, Sacred Heart has the edge in serving aces with 299 compared to Granby’s 333.

Team Leaders

• Granby Memorial:
  • Jayne Hiatt: 280 kills
  • Teresa Moody: 33 total blocks
  • Sage Pycz: 78 serving aces
  • Sydney Lisowski: 233 digs
  • Olivia Teclaw: 628 assists
• Sacred Heart Academy:
  • Annika Burr: 366 kills
  • Maddy Burke: 280 digs
  • JJ Kirck: 514 assists
  • Maddy Burke: 64 serving aces

The Road Ahead: Playoff Implications

This neutral-site playoff match is an important step for both teams as they look to advance further in the postseason. Granby Memorial comes into this contest with a 24-1 record and an impressive playoff performance (2-0), while Sacred Heart Academy has also shown resilience in the playoffs with a 3-0 record. Both teams are poised to bring their best to the court tonight.

Fans of both teams can expect a highly competitive match as Granby Memorial and Sacred Heart Academy face off for a chance to continue their respective playoff runs. With stellar players on both sides, including Jayne Hiatt and Annika Burr, this contest promises to be a thrilling encounter that will showcase the skill and determination of both squads.

As the match approaches, the excitement builds — will Granby Memorial continue its dominance, or will Sacred Heart Academy rise to the challenge and edge out their opponents in a tightly contested battle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: tonight’s match will be one to watch!