The Timothy Christian (Elmhurst, IL) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral playoff match against El Paso-Gridley (El Paso, IL) today at 12:25 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets for IHSA Class 2A.

Timothy Christian vs El Paso-Gridley Volleyball Game Info:

What: Illinois High School Volleyball
Who: Timothy Christian vs El Paso-Gridley
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 12:25 PM
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 2A
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Game preview: Timothy Christian vs El Paso-Gridley

As the 2024-25 volleyball season continues to unfold, two teams that have established themselves as dominant forces in Illinois high school volleyball are El Paso-Gridley and Timothy Christian. These teams, both with strong records and impressive individual performances, have garnered attention for their exceptional play and rivalry dynamics. Let’s take a deep dive into the rankings, records, team statistics, and individual leaders to better understand how these two teams stack up against each other.

Overall Records & Rankings

El Paso-Gridley has built a solid season with a 31-8 overall record. With a conference record of 9-3, the team has been consistently strong both at home (7-2) and on the road (8-3). Their overall winning percentage stands at .795, showcasing their competitive nature throughout the season.

On the other hand, Timothy Christian boasts an outstanding 38-3 record. With a perfect 7-0 conference record, the team has been nearly unbeatable in league play. They have also shown dominance at home (11-1), away (12-1), and on neutral ground (15-1), giving them a staggering .927 overall win percentage and a flawless 1.000 in conference play.

Team Scoring Averages

Both teams have shown offensive firepower, with scoring averages that highlight their capabilities.

• El Paso-Gridley averages 24.1 points in set 1, 23.5 points in set 2, and 19.8 points in set 3. Their narrow 1.6-point difference in set wins demonstrates their ability to close out matches.
• Timothy Christian is slightly ahead with 24.8 points in set 1, 24.3 points in set 2, and 22.8 points in set 3, averaging 1.9 points per set win. This consistency reflects their efficiency across all three sets.

Team Stat Comparison

When it comes to individual and team statistics, both squads excel in different areas:

• El Paso-Gridley leads with 1,062 kills and 970 assists, but Timothy Christian dominates in other categories, such as serving aces with 300, compared to El Paso-Gridley’s 72, and digs with 1,100 compared to El Paso-Gridley’s 294.

In terms of overall receptions, Timothy Christian also has the upper hand with 1,190 compared to El Paso-Gridley’s 467.

Individual Leaders

Key players have emerged on both teams, showcasing impressive performances throughout the season.

• For El Paso-Gridley, #12 Abby VanderWal has been a standout with 434 kills and 72 serving aces, both of which contribute heavily to the team’s offense.
• Miriam Pozdol-Niego has been essential on the defensive side, leading with 294 digs and 467 receptions, highlighting her role as a reliable backcourt player.
• Elizabeth Alex, the team’s leader in assists with 794, has been crucial in setting up plays and contributing to the team’s offensive flow.

For Timothy Christian, #52 has been a standout with 434 kills, and #11 Ella Rickert has contributed 50 total blocks, anchoring their defensive efforts. Miriam Pozdol-Niego is similarly effective in her role as a libero, tallying 294 digs and 467 receptions, reflecting her all-around defensive play.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same competition throughout the season, showcasing their ability to perform under similar circumstances.

• Against Pontiac, both teams won 2-0, demonstrating their dominance.
• However, in matchups against Bloomington Central Catholic, both teams faced defeat, with El Paso-Gridley losing 2-0 and Timothy Christian suffering the same fate.
• When facing Chicago Christian, both teams emerged victorious, with El Paso-Gridley winning 2-1 and Timothy Christian winning 2-0.

Record Breakdown

The record breakdown further illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of both teams:

• El Paso-Gridley holds a 31-8 overall record, with a balanced distribution of wins across league (12-4) and non-league (6-2) play.
• Timothy Christian has an impeccable 38-3 record, with a perfect 10-0 record in conference play and impressive performances in non-league (9-2) games.

Both teams have shown their mettle in playoff situations, with El Paso-Gridley maintaining a 5-1 record and Timothy Christian holding a similar 5-1 record in postseason play.

Conclusion

Both El Paso-Gridley and Timothy Christian have earned their spots among the elite high school volleyball teams in Illinois this season. While Timothy Christian has demonstrated a stronger overall record, including a perfect conference slate, El Paso-Gridley has proven its worth through solid performances in tough matchups. With exceptional individual performances and statistics, these two teams have clearly demonstrated their talent, making them both forces to be reckoned with in Illinois volleyball. As the season progresses, their rivalry is sure to heat up, and fans can expect more thrilling matchups ahead.