Deacs Look to Reach Best Start in Hoover Era

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest women's basketball team closes its four-game homestand Sunday night at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum against East Carolina.

The Demon Deacons (4-0) will be in search of their best start in the Jen Hoover era as they look to start the season 5-0. The Demon Deacons have been one of the best defenses in the nation through four games this season. Wake Forest has allowed just 47.8 points per game and allowed over 50 points just one time this season.

ECU (2-2) is coming off a 75-58 victory over Hampton on Thursday. Junior guard Taniyah Thompson led the Pirates with 19 points in the victory. Through four games, Thompson leads the team with 19.8 points per game which is 10.0 points better per game than the next closest scorer on the team.

Tipoff for Sunday night's game against the Pirates is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (ET) at LJVM Coliseum. The game can also be seen on ACC Network.

Fans can follow along via the Demon Deacons Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts (@WakeWBB).

FAN INFORMATION

Wake Forest Athletics works closely with Wake Forest University, Forsyth County and state officials to follow COVID-related guidelines for the safety of fans in attendance at all venues. While proof of vaccination is not currently required for spectators, we encourage vaccinations for all. We are proud that nearly 100% of Wake Forest Athletics student-athletes, staff and coaches are vaccinated, as required under University and Athletics policy.

The following guidelines are currently in place and will remain in place until further notice. It is possible, however, that the state of North Carolina's health and safety guidelines and Wake Forest policies could change.

Masks must be worn over your nose and mouth for all indoor events, except when actively eating and drinking.
Vaccinations are strongly encouraged, but not required to attend events.
Following the COVID-19 Community Standards, Wake Forest students and staff must attest they are vaccinated or be tested regularly.
As you continue to attend Fall outdoor events, please remember that while masks are not required outdoors, they must be worn in indoor spaces. These include restrooms, elevators and transportation services.

For additional information regarding steps the University is taking to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus, we strongly encourage you to review the University's COVID-19 Notice.

CRASHING THE GLASS

Getting on the glass has been a point of emphasis for head coach Jen Hoover since she arrived on campus. In the last seven seasons, Wake Forest has averaged better than 38 rebounds per game including averaging 40 or more during the 2013-14 season (40.5 rebounds per game) and the 2016-17 season (41.1 rebounds per game).

This season the Demon Deacons are off to another impressive start on the glass, totaling 165 rebounds which ranks 16th while also having a Hoover era best 41.25 rebounds per game.

LAST TIME

Wake Forest vs. Charlotte (Nov. 18)

Result: W, 55-49

Led by their defensive effort and ability to control the rebounding battle, Wake Forest claimed its third home victory of the season and second consecutive win over an in-state opponent.
- Wake Forest was led offensively by two double-digit scorers in Elise Williams and Jewel Spear. Williams scored a game-high 15 points while also recording five rebounds and three assists. Spear tallied 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. On the glass, Olivia Summiel collected 14 boards and added eight points of her own.

SERIES HISTORY

Versus ECU

Series: Wake Forest leads 4-7

Last: Nov. 30, 2019

Result: W, 76-53

Four Demon Deacons finished in double figures scoring including Ona Udoh who posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in Wake Forest's 76-53 victory.

STANDOUT STAT

Wake Forest is looking to become just the fourth Demon Deacon team since the start of the 1989-90 season to start the season 5-0 or better. Additionally, this would be the first time in the Jen Hoover era:

2009-10 (6-0)
2008-09 (12-0)
2004-05 (8-0)

PROGRAM'S ALL-TIME WINS LEADER

Wake Forest head coach Jen Hoover is looking to remain dominant in non-conference play as she has racked up 76 non-conference wins in her 10 seasons at the helm of the Demon Deacons. She also continues to distance herself as the program's all-time wins leader:

Wake Forest Wins Leaders

1. Jen Hoover (2013-pres.) 130

2. Mike Petersen (2005-12) 125

3. Joe Sanchez (1986-92) 109

NEXT UP

Wake Forest is set to hit the road for the second time this season, traveling to High Point for a Wednesday tipoff against the Panthers at 4 p.m.

Stay tuned to GoDeacs.com for more information on the game.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Jewel Spear

Olivia Summiel

Elise Williams

Wake Forest Athletics