The Susitna Valley varsity volleyball team from Talkeetna, AK, will host a home conference match against Lumen Christi from Anchorage, AK, on Tuesday, November 12, at 5:00 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Alaska High School Volleyball
Who: Susitna Valley vs Lumen Christi
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
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Game preview: Susitna Valley vs Lumen Christi
As the high school volleyball season intensifies in Alaska, the Lumen Christi Archangels and the Susitna Valley Rams have been key contenders in their respective classes. Both teams, with identical overall records of 26-7, have had impressive seasons, and their head-to-head matchup on October 25 showed just how evenly matched they are. Here’s an in-depth look at their records, stats, and common opponents as they prepare for a high-stakes rematch on November 12.
Team Performance Overview
Lumen Christi, competing in Class 5, holds a 4-2 conference record, with a stellar 14-2 record on neutral grounds and 10-4 at home. They have dominated their season with a winning percentage of .788 and a strong set win-to-loss ratio (SW-SL) of 43-21.
Susitna Valley, from Class 4, boasts a 5-3 conference record, with an equally impressive .788 win percentage and a set ratio of 56-22. The Rams have shown particular strength away from home, going 5-3 in away games, though they have a more modest 3-2 home record. Their consistent performance places them as formidable opponents for Lumen Christi.
Team Scoring Averages
In terms of scoring averages by set, Susitna Valley holds a slight edge with their average per set breakdown as follows:
- Set 1: 24.2
- Set 2: 22.7
- Set 3: 18.5
- Set 4: 20.8
- Set 5: 15.0 in wins
Meanwhile, Lumen Christi’s scoring averages per set are:
- Set 1: 23.9
- Set 2: 20.2
- Set 3: 20.0
- Set 4: 23.0
- Set 5: 13.7 in wins
These numbers suggest that Susitna Valley may have a slightly more aggressive approach in the first few sets, while Lumen Christi tends to finish strong, especially in the later sets.
Recent Head-to-Head Battle
On October 25, Lumen Christi clinched a narrow 3-2 victory in an intense away game at Susitna Valley. The match saw back-and-forth scores across the five sets, with Lumen Christi taking sets two, three, and five. The set scores were as follows:
- Set 1: Susitna Valley 25, Lumen Christi 18
- Set 2: Lumen Christi 26, Susitna Valley 24
- Set 3: Lumen Christi 25, Susitna Valley 14
- Set 4: Susitna Valley 25, Lumen Christi 22
- Set 5: Lumen Christi 17, Susitna Valley 15
This match highlighted both teams’ resilience and competitive spirit, and it has set the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch.
Common Opponents Analysis
Both teams faced common opponents like Cordova, Glennallen, and Ninilchik, with Lumen Christi recording a 20-5 record against these shared teams, while Susitna Valley finished 23-6. Notable games include both teams’ victories against Glennallen and Ninilchik, though Susitna Valley had a slightly stronger showing overall in their common opponent matchups.
For instance, Lumen Christi defeated Cordova twice but suffered a narrow 3-2 loss to them in their latest match on November 6. Susitna Valley, however, struggled against Cordova earlier in the season, falling to them twice in September. The performance against these mutual teams suggests a close contest but with Susitna Valley holding a marginal edge in overall consistency.
What to Expect in the Rematch
The upcoming rematch on November 12 will be crucial for both teams as they prepare for postseason play. Each team has strengths to capitalize on—Lumen Christi’s ability to rally in close games and finish strong in final sets, versus Susitna Valley’s offensive consistency and ability to control games early. With both teams vying for a conference edge, this clash promises to be another thrilling showdown in Alaskan high school volleyball.
For fans, this game is not to be missed. Whether Lumen Christi can repeat their hard-fought victory or if Susitna Valley can even the score, the stage is set for an unforgettable match.
