The St. Mary Catholic Central varsity volleyball team from Monroe, MI, will face St. Francis from Traverse City, MI, in a neutral-site playoff match today. This game is part of the 2024 Michigan High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets for MHSAA Division 3.
St. Mary Catholic Central vs St. Francis Game Info:
What: Michigan High School Girls Volleyball Playoffs
Who: St. Mary Catholic Central vs St. Francis
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 Michigan High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: MHSAA – Division 3
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Game preview: St. Mary Catholic Central vs St. Francis
As the 2024 season comes to a close, St. Mary Catholic Central (SMCC) and St. Francis have both showcased their dominance on the court. Though both teams have impressive records, a deeper look at their statistics and performances highlights notable contrasts between the two programs.
Season Records and Rankings
- St. Mary Catholic Central (41-4-1): Ranked No. 7 in Michigan, SMCC has been a powerhouse this season, boasting a remarkable .902 win percentage. Undefeated in league play (11-0), they also went unbeaten at home (12-0) and posted a strong playoff record (4-0).
- St. Francis (32-12-3): Ranked No. 49 in Michigan, St. Francis has had a solid season, with a .713 win percentage and an unblemished league record (4-0). However, their performance outside of league play and against common opponents reveals room for improvement.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
While the two teams did not meet directly this season, their results against common opponents provide insights:
| Opponent | St. Francis Result | SMCC Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cass City | Tie (1-1) | Win (3-1) |
| Lapeer | Loss (2-1) | Win (2-0) |
| Rockford | Loss (2-1) | Loss (2-1) |
SMCC’s ability to secure wins against Cass City and Lapeer, where St. Francis struggled, underscores their consistency and adaptability.
Statistical Breakdown
- Scoring Averages:
SMCC excels in scoring, particularly in the first two sets, averaging 23.1 and 23.4 points. Their overall set average of 2.2 wins per match reflects their dominance.
St. Francis, while competitive, has less consistency, particularly in the third set (14.0 points on average), with a match set average of 1.8 wins. - Strength of Schedule:
SMCC faced tougher competition, especially outside their league, finishing 23-4-1 in non-league play compared to St. Francis’s 23-9-3. - Home and Away Records:
SMCC was unbeatable at home (12-0), while St. Francis posted an impressive 16-4 home record. However, SMCC also proved formidable on the road (13-3-1), contrasting with St. Francis’s solid but slightly less dominant 12-2-2.
Playoff Push
Both teams have gone undefeated in playoffs (4-0), setting up potential future clashes. SMCC’s experience against top-tier opponents and ability to dominate key matches could give them the edge in high-pressure situations.
Final Analysis
While both teams have impressive resumes, SMCC stands out for its consistent performance, adaptability, and strength against common opponents. St. Francis, while solid, has room to improve against higher-level competition. If these two programs were to meet, SMCC’s depth and scoring efficiency would likely pose significant challenges for St. Francis.
For now, both teams can celebrate successful seasons, with SMCC eyeing a potential championship run and St. Francis continuing to build on its promising foundation.
