The Warner (SD) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral-site playoff match against Chester (SD) today at 6:45 PM. This game is part of the “2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – 2024 Class B State Tournament.”
Warner vs Chester Game Info:
What: South Dakota High School Girls Volleyball Playoffs
Who: Warner vs Chester
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – 2024 Class B State Tournament
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Game preview: Warner vs Chester
In South Dakota, high school volleyball has seen some exceptional performances this season, and two teams stand out: Chester and Warner. Both teams have demonstrated incredible dominance on the court, but with their paths potentially leading to a postseason showdown, let’s dive into their rankings, records, team statistics, and the impact of their head-to-head matchups with common opponents.
Rankings and Records: A Closer Look
Chester enters the season with an impressive overall record of 31-2, maintaining an undefeated record of 4-0 in their region. Their .939 win percentage is a testament to their consistency and skill throughout the season, with an equally impressive 88-11 set-win to set-loss ratio. Their dominance is reflected in their ability to perform both at home (10-0) and on the road (9-0), as well as on neutral grounds (12-2).
Warner, with a slightly higher overall record of 33-4, has also proven their prowess on the court. Their 5-0 regional record mirrors Chester’s regional dominance, but their win percentage of .892 is just behind Chester’s. Warner also boasts an impressive 90-14 set-win to set-loss record. Much like Chester, Warner has been a force at home (11-1), away (8-0), and in neutral games (14-3).
Key Stat Comparisons: Chester vs. Warner
While both teams are formidable, comparing their key stats reveals the strengths each side brings to the table. Chester has accumulated 1,259 kills, which is impressive but falls slightly behind Warner’s 1,370 kills. In terms of blocks, Chester leads with 153, while Warner trails with 123. Chester has managed 261 serving aces, a slight edge over Warner’s 318, demonstrating the teams’ ability to disrupt opponents at the service line.
When it comes to digging and receiving, both teams excel. Chester has 1,894 digs and 1,229 receptions, whereas Warner is just behind with 1,757 digs and 1,484 receptions. These stats show both teams’ excellent defensive capabilities, which have been a major factor in their success.
Team Leaders: Standout Players
Both teams feature players who have been essential to their success. For Chester, Lily Van Hal leads in kills with 337, followed by Emilie Bleeker, who has 74 total blocks. Van Hal also shines in serving aces with 97, making her a dynamic force on both offense and defense. In assists, Gracie J. Huntimer has contributed 507 assists, showing her playmaking ability. Meanwhile, Huntimer also leads in receptions with 513.
On Warner’s side, Kyleigh Schopp has been a standout with 465 kills and 72 total blocks, while Jordyn Jensen leads in both digs (525) and serves aces (71). Libby Scepaniak has been instrumental in assists with 633, and Jensen also leads in receptions with 667.
Common Opponents: Shared Challenges
Both Chester and Warner have faced some common opponents this season, with both teams emerging victorious in most of these matchups. Chester boasts a 6-1 record against these shared teams, while Warner matches this with a 6-1 record of their own. Some notable results include both teams defeating McCook Central/Montrose and Elkton/Lake Benton in straight sets, while Chester lost to Unity Christian, a team that Warner managed to defeat 2-0.
Other notable matchups include Chester’s victory over Deubrook and Colman-Egan, while Warner also triumphed over these teams, including a thrilling 3-2 win over Colman-Egan.
Record Breakdown: A Tale of Consistency
A breakdown of their records further emphasizes the consistency of both teams. Chester’s perfect 4-0 regional record mirrors Warner’s, but the latter has managed to take down teams like Arlington and Burke in convincing fashion. Chester also performed well in non-league matches, finishing 14-1, while Warner ended their non-league season at 11-1.
Both teams are remarkably strong in-state, with Chester posting a 31-0 record and Warner following closely at 32-3. However, Chester’s brief exposure to out-of-state competition has been more difficult, as they have a 0-2 record outside the state, while Warner has posted a 1-1 record.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Building Toward the Postseason
The battle between Chester and Warner is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stories in South Dakota volleyball this season. With both teams boasting stellar records, key players, and strong team performances, any potential playoff clash between these two powerhouses promises to be a thrilling contest. Both squads are more than ready to continue their dominant runs, and as the postseason looms closer, volleyball fans can expect intense action as these teams battle it out for the state title.
