The Stratford (Houston, TX) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral-site playoff match against Vandegrift (Austin, TX) today at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Volleyball State Championships, in the 2024 Volleyball Conference 6A Division 2 tournament.

Stratford vs Vandegrift Volleyball Game Info:

What: Texas High School Volleyball
Who: Stratford vs Vandegrift
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Volleyball State Championships – 2024 Volleyball Conference 6A Division 2
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Game preview: Stratford vs Vandegrift

As we move further into the season, two volleyball programs have consistently risen to the top: Vandegrift and Stratford. With impressive records and standout individual performances, both teams are establishing themselves as serious contenders. Let’s dive into the statistics that make them formidable opponents.

Vandegrift (24-25) Season Overview

Vandegrift has posted a strong overall record of 33-14, with an exceptional district record of 15-1. This performance has been largely powered by their impressive home and away records—12-2 at home, 9-3 on the road, and 12-9 in neutral site games. Vandegrift’s win percentage stands at .702 overall, with an impressive district win percentage of .938.

The team’s scoring averages show steady improvement throughout the season:

• S1: 22.6 points per game
• S2: 23.6 points per game
• S3: 24.7 points per game
• S4: 25.4 points per game
• S5: 15.0 points per game
• Wins: 2.0 points per game

Stratford (24-25) Season Overview

Stratford has been nothing short of dominant, posting a 41-2 overall record with a perfect 14-0 district performance. At home, Stratford has been flawless with a 10-0 record, and they’ve been equally impressive on the road, finishing 13-0 away from home. Neutral site games have seen the same success, with an 18-2 record. Stratford’s win percentage is a remarkable .953, with a perfect district win percentage of 1.000.

Stratford’s scoring averages also reflect a high level of consistency:

• S1: 24.7 points per game
• S2: 24.4 points per game
• S3: 24.6 points per game
• S4: 25.3 points per game
• S5: 15.0 points per game
• Wins: 2.6 points per game

Statistical Comparison: Vandegrift vs. Stratford

When comparing these two teams statistically, Stratford holds a slight edge in several categories:

• Kills: Stratford 1638, Vandegrift 1500
• Total Blocks: Stratford 246, Vandegrift 191
• Serving Aces: Stratford 323, Vandegrift 357
• Digs: Stratford 2091, Vandegrift 1530
• Assists: Stratford 1545, Vandegrift 1394
• Receptions: Stratford 1761, Vandegrift 1806

Despite the disparity in several categories, Vandegrift’s defensive and reception game stands out, with a notably higher total in receptions.

Key Players

Both teams have standout individual performers. For Vandegrift, Jenna Hehman leads with 500 kills, followed by Kristi Bishop, who has contributed significantly with 99 serving aces and 358 digs. Ava Carrasquillo is also a key contributor, leading in assists with 1002.

For Stratford, Gwen Koss leads the way with 465 kills and an outstanding 77 serving aces. Other key players include Milena Miladinovic, with 118 total blocks, and Rachel Ashby, who leads in digs with 527.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced some of the same opponents, offering insight into their relative performances:

• Bridgeland: Vandegrift won 2-1, while Stratford won 3-1.
• The Woodlands: Vandegrift lost 2-1, while Stratford fell 2-0.
• Canyon: Both teams faced Canyon, with Vandegrift falling 2-1, while Stratford emerged victorious 2-0.

Record Breakdown

• Vandegrift: 33-14 overall, 15-1 in district play.
• Stratford: 41-2 overall, 14-0 in district play.

In terms of playoff performance, both teams are undefeated in post-season play, with Vandegrift holding a 4-0 playoff record and Stratford maintaining the same perfect playoff record.

Conclusion

Both Vandegrift and Stratford have proven themselves to be powerhouses in Texas volleyball, with exceptional team and individual performances. While Stratford holds a slight edge in several categories, Vandegrift’s strong defense and consistent play on the road make them a formidable opponent. These teams will certainly continue to be among the best in the state, and fans can expect more thrilling matches as the season progresses.