The DePaul College Prep (Chicago, IL) varsity volleyball team will face St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) in a neutral-site playoff match today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 3A” tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Illinois High School Volleyball
Who: St. Laurence vs DePaul College Prep
When: Today, November 11, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 3A
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Game preview: St. Laurence vs DePaul College Prep
As the 2024-2025 volleyball season progresses, two powerhouse teams in the Illinois high school sports scene are making waves: St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) and DePaul College Prep (Chicago, IL). Both teams have had impressive seasons so far, dominating their competition and showing remarkable consistency on the court. With a recent head-to-head match adding to the drama, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between these two formidable programs.
St. Laurence’s Stellar Season
St. Laurence has posted an outstanding 31-5 overall record, with a 6-2 conference performance that showcases their strength in a competitive league. Their ability to win both at home (9-2) and on the road (10-2) demonstrates their versatility and resilience. The team’s impressive neutral-site record of 12-1 adds to their reputation as a tough opponent regardless of location. With a win percentage of .861 overall and .750 in conference play, St. Laurence has been a dominant force throughout the season.
Key individual performances have been a driving factor for the team’s success. Kayla Birmingham has led the team with 379 kills, while Vianne Villa has been the set-up queen with 742 assists. The defensive side of the game has been anchored by Natalie Martinez, who has amassed 294 digs and contributed 415 receptions, proving her all-around prowess.
DePaul College Prep’s Unstoppable Force
Not to be outdone, DePaul College Prep has had an even more impressive overall record of 36-3, with a flawless 6-0 conference mark. Their performance across the board has been nearly perfect, going 9-0 at home, 7-1 on the road, and 20-2 in neutral-site games. DePaul has been an indomitable force, winning 92.3% of their matches overall and a perfect 100% in conference play.
The team’s success can largely be attributed to their star players. Kalia Kroth has led the charge with 407 kills, while Layla Christian has been a dominant presence at the net with 77 total blocks. The defensive efforts have been solidified by Maddy Ohrmundt, who has contributed 41 serving aces and 225 digs. As a team, DePaul College Prep excels in assists with Katie Syftestad contributing a staggering 342 assists this season.
Head-to-Head: St. Laurence vs. DePaul College Prep
In their most recent meeting, St. Laurence took the win, overcoming DePaul College Prep 2-1 in a thrilling match on October 3, 2024. The match, which took place at St. Laurence, was an intense back-and-forth, with St. Laurence bouncing back from a tough second set loss (15-25) to clinch the victory in the third set (25-21). This victory has added some fuel to the rivalry, as both teams are gearing up for their next clash in a neutral playoff match on November 12, 2024.
In terms of team statistics, both teams are neck-and-neck in many categories. St. Laurence has recorded 873 kills, while DePaul College Prep leads with 1013. In terms of blocks and serving aces, DePaul has a notable advantage with 162 total blocks and 252 serving aces compared to St. Laurence’s 78 blocks and 184 aces. However, St. Laurence holds the edge in digs, with 1080 compared to DePaul’s 1146, reflecting the teams’ contrasting styles of play.
Common Opponents
Both teams have had encounters with several of the same opponents throughout the season, with impressive records against these common adversaries. St. Laurence boasts a 9-1 record against common opponents, while DePaul College Prep has an undefeated 10-0 record. Notably, both teams have secured victories against tough opponents like Nazareth Academy, Marian Catholic, and Glenbrook South, further underscoring the level of competition they have faced.
Looking Ahead: The Final Clash
As both teams head into the final stages of the season, the anticipation builds for their playoff showdown. With both teams sporting impressive records and standout individual performances, the upcoming match promises to be a high-stakes and closely contested battle. Whether it’s St. Laurence’s resilient defense or DePaul College Prep’s offensive firepower, this match will undoubtedly be one to watch.
For volleyball fans in Illinois, the St. Laurence vs. DePaul College Prep rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most exciting matchups in the state. With both teams poised for greatness, only time will tell who will come out on top in this thrilling postseason encounter.
