The Sterling (CO) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral playoff match against Platte Valley (Kersey, CO) today at 8 a.m. This game is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Volleyball Championships – Class 3A tournament.
Sterling vs Platte Valley Volleyball Game Info:
What: Colorado High School Volleyball
Who: Sterling vs Platte Valley
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 8 AM
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Volleyball Championships – Class 3A
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Game preview: Sterling vs Platte Valley
As the Colorado high school volleyball season heats up, Platte Valley (Kersey, CO) and Sterling (CO) have emerged as two of the top contenders in Class 3A, demonstrating exceptional performances on the court and fierce rivalry. Both teams have seen tremendous success this season, but their paths have not been identical. Let’s take a closer look at how each team stacks up, including their rankings, records, and standout players, as well as the key moments that have defined their 2024-2025 seasons.
Team Overview
Platte Valley: Dominating the League
With an impressive 23-4 overall record and a flawless 12-0 mark in league play, Platte Valley has been a juggernaut this season. The team has demonstrated remarkable consistency, winning 67 of 88 sets played and boasting an incredible .852 win percentage. Their home court advantage has been particularly strong, with a perfect 10-0 record at home. Notably, Platte Valley’s defense and overall team chemistry have been crucial to their success.
Sterling: Strong but Slightly Less Consistent
Sterling has also had a strong season, posting a 23-6 overall record. Their 8-4 league mark is respectable, but it falls short of the unblemished league record of Platte Valley. Sterling’s play has been more varied in terms of matchups, but their resilience is evident, particularly in their 70 sets won against 22 sets lost. They have had strong performances both at home (9-2) and on the road (10-2), but they have struggled to find consistency against certain top-tier opponents.
Head-to-Head: Platte Valley’s Dominance
When these two teams faced off in their most recent match on September 26, 2024, Platte Valley came out on top, sweeping Sterling 3-0. This victory showcased the team’s superior skill, with standout performances from key players, notably Karsyn Fetzer, who leads the team in kills, digs, and serving aces. While Sterling has shown its own strength throughout the season, Platte Valley’s relentless attack and well-rounded play have given them the upper hand in their rivalry so far.
Statistical Comparison: Offensive Power and Defensive Stalwarts
Both teams are offensively potent, but Platte Valley has a slight edge in several key categories. With 1,039 kills compared to Sterling’s 790, Platte Valley’s offense has been more effective at generating points. The team’s 266 serving aces further highlights their ability to capitalize on opponent weaknesses, led by Fetzer’s 56 aces. Sterling, on the other hand, is no slouch, with standout players like Ady Santomaso and Shayleigh Ulrich providing significant contributions.
Defensively, Platte Valley is also stronger, recording 1,501 digs compared to Sterling’s 1,264, while their block total of 141 far surpasses Sterling’s 63. The team’s ability to dominate both offensively and defensively has been a key factor in their success, while Sterling has relied on strong individual performances from players like Santomaso, who leads the team in kills and digs.
Key Players: Stars of the Show
For Platte Valley, Karsyn Fetzer is undoubtedly the player to watch. With 431 kills and 351 digs, she has been instrumental in the team’s dominance, often leading the charge in crucial moments. Becca Olearnick, with 47 total blocks, has anchored the defense, while Lauryn Uyemura’s 882 assists have set up many of the team’s attacks.
Sterling’s key players include Ady Santomaso, whose 219 kills are a standout statistic, and Shayleigh Ulrich, who has accumulated 616 assists. While Sterling lacks the same level of overall depth as Platte Valley, the team’s star players have been more than capable of stepping up when needed.
Common Opponents: How They Fared Against Shared Competition
Both teams have faced off against several common opponents this season, with Platte Valley holding a 12-1 record against those teams, while Sterling finished at 9-4. Notably, both teams faced off against Resurrection Christian, with Platte Valley securing a thrilling 3-2 win while Sterling lost 3-1. Other shared opponents like Frontier Academy, Valley, and Fort Morgan all saw Platte Valley come out on top, further cementing their dominance in the league.
The Road Ahead: Playoff Picture
As the season moves toward the postseason, both teams are poised for deep runs, with Platte Valley holding a slight edge in overall performance. With a 23-4 record and a strong playoff pedigree, the team will enter the playoffs as one of the favorites. Sterling, while formidable, will need to find ways to improve their consistency in big matches to advance past teams like Platte Valley.
With a solid 5-1 playoff record, Platte Valley has demonstrated that they can handle high-pressure situations. Sterling, with a 3-1 playoff mark, will also be dangerous, especially if their stars continue to perform at a high level.
Conclusion
While Sterling has proven to be a strong contender this season, Platte Valley has established itself as the top team in their league and the stronger of the two when facing off. As the season progresses, these two teams will continue to battle for supremacy, but if recent performances are any indication, Platte Valley will remain the team to beat. Fans of high school volleyball should keep a close eye on these two powerhouse teams as they make their respective runs toward state championships.
