If the last two years are any indication, tonight’s Aberdeen Christian and Aberdeen Roncalli volleyball match could have fans on the edge of their seats.
The two have played some interesting matches through the years, including a pair of five-setters the past two seasons with Christian winning in 2024, and Roncalli winning last season.
“Aberdeen Christian has always been a tough competitor and a good team dynamic,” said Roncalli coach Leesa Ware.
While the two sides have a mutual respect for the other, what makes each contest between the two local squads so interesting is that the players on both sides of the net know each other quite well.
“They all play together with all these girls at Matchbox,” said Christian coach Sally Stoebner of her players, “so I think it will be a fun game to watch.”
Both teams have pieced together solid starts to their seasons.
Roncalli has lost just one match, that coming in five sets. The Cavaliers rebounded from that setback to record a road win over previously unbeaten Hamlin.
Meanwhile, the Knights lost their first match of the season to second-rated Class B Warner, and then reeled off six straight victories. Two of Christian’s four losses have come at the hands of two Class A squads that have combined to win 20 matches already this season.
Both Christian and Roncalli know that each other presents major challenges, and will have to be on top of their games to slow down the other.
“Get them out of system, so they can’t run an offense,” Stoebner said. “Get them out of system with our serve. The biggest thing is just playing our game.”
The Cavaliers also have a game plan in place for the match.
“We are looking forward to playing them as we need to be on point both offensively and defensively,” Ware said. “We have studied film and know that stopping a couple of their hitters will be key in getting a hand blocking-wise, and also with our defense.”
The annual match rotates with each side getting to host every other season.
Tonight’s contest will take place at the Christian School Gym, and both teams are looking forward to a large crowd and fun atmosphere.
“We played at their place last year, so I’m excited that we get a chance for them to come over here,” Stoebner said. “I think it will be a good competitive match. I know they’ve got some outsides, some good middles.”
Ware is also looking forward to the venue and the environment that will be present this evening.
“Aberdeen Christian is a fun gym to play in,” Ware said. “The atmosphere and crowd really motivate the girls, and we are looking forward to playing an all-around competitive team.”
