Wake Forest Falls to Hokies in Wednesday Road Test

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Opening up the month of November, Wake Forest volleyball (13-11, 5-8) traveled to its neighboring state for a midweek matchup against Virginia Tech (10-14, 3-10) on Wednesday (Nov. 2).

The Hokies finished the night with a 3-0 sweep over the Demon Deacons (23-25, 15-25, 17-25).

Middle blockers Olivia Franke and Emmy Ogogor posted the most efficient hitting nights for Wake Forest. Continuing her streak of six or more kills in seven of her last eight appearances, Franke led the team in going 8-of-16 in attacks while committing two errors (.375). Ogogor went 6-of-12 with only one error (.417). The senior also stood out defensively with a match-best four blocks.

Paige Crawford and Ashley Slater added five kills each. Crawford also had four digs and two service aces.

Setters Andrea Fuentes and Rian Baker handed out 12 and 11 assists, respectively.

Emma Farrell gathered 10 digs, tying the highest mark in the match.

Wake Forest outblock Virginia Tech, 5-4.

How it Happened

Virginia Tech scored the first three points of set one before suffering a service error.
Ashley Slater gave Wake Forest its first kill of the evening.
- Peyton Suess and Emmy Ogogor made high rejections on an assisted block next.
After the Hokies scored four straight, the Deacs signaled for a timeout, down 8-3.
Virginia Tech succeeded on a few more tries but also committed a handful of errors, allowing Wake Forest to stay nearby, 12-8.
Olivia Franke stayed comfortable in the middle of the court, netting three kills.
After Ogogor hung in the air for a hit straight down the line, the senior and Slater teamed up on a block for Wake Forest's third consecutive point.
- The Hokies took a break on the floor, ahead narrowly, 16-15.
Emma Farrell delivered a service ace soon afterward to tie the set at 18 all.
- Two more traded possessions occurred, with Audrey Douglas punching a ball straight to the floor and Andrea Fuentes dishing another Deacon ace.
Virginia Tech used more kills to again take a slight lead late, 22-21.
Attacking errors by both sides created yet another even score, 23-23.
- Paige Crawford followed with an ace that spiraled to the front row of the stands.
The Hokies reached set point on a right-sided kill and then made a block to capture the set, 25-23.
- Five tied scores and four lead changes made up the set.
- Wake Forest posted four sces in the first frame.
The two opponents took turns to start the second, sitting even at 4-4 after Slater landed a kill.
- The junior and Crawford made a few key plays at the net to keep the narrative going, leading to a 7-7 display on the board.
However, the Hokies caught fire in their ensuing stretch, building a 7-1 run and forcing Wake Forest to regroup.
- The Deacs trailed, 14-8, at the time of play.
Crawford and Franke gave Wake Forest a kill apiece, but Virginia Tech maintained its momentum through another slew of possessions, leading 21-11.
Two kills by Ogogor, along with a Rian Baker ace, gave the Deacons additional points in the period's lasting moments.
Nevertheless, Virginia Tech took a 2-0 lead after securing a 25-15 finish in set two.
- Franke led Wake Forest with six kills at the time.
- Likewise to the first, set two saw five tied scores occur.
Capitalizing on back-to-back aces, the Hokies went up 5-1 in set three.
Errors then hurt Virginia Tech once again, and Suess lined a swing nicely to cut the deficit to 7-4.
The Hokies strung a 3-1 push as a response.
Slater took over on her side of the floor, and Wake Forest's middles followed suit, with the Deacs down 14-8.
- Audrey Douglas started a 6-2 boost for the Black and Old Gold, capped with a throwdown by Franke.
- The run led to another Hokie timeout, with the team up 16-14.
Out of the break, Virginia Tech knotted three consecutive points to up its advantage to 19-14.
Scoring on four of its next five tries, the Hokies stayed in front, and Wake Forest took its final timeout of the set.
- The Deacs trailed, 23-16, at the time.
  - Slater protected the next possession on a block for Wake Forest.
After the Deacs made an error on its final serve, Virginia Tech clinched the match with a kill, winning set three in a 25-17 decision.
Wake Forest fell, 3-0.

Standout Stats

Middle blockers Olivia Franke and Emmy Ogogor posted the most efficient nights for Wake Forest.

Continuing her streak of six or more kills in seven of her last eight appearances, Franke led the team by going 8-of-16 in attacks, committing two errors (.375).

Ogogor went 6-of-12 with only one error (.417).

From the Head Honcho

"Every time you play a conference road match, it will always be a challenge, and tonight was another example," said head coach Randi Smart. "We have more time to prepare for our weekend match, compared to typical weeks in ACC play, so making the most of it will be key."

Up Next

Wake Forest plays back at home on Sunday (Nov. 6), hosting the Duke Blue Devils in its third Big Four matchup of the year. First serve is slated for 1 p.m. ET.

Next Event

Team Stats

Olivia Franke

Emmy Ogogor

Ashley Slater

Paige Crawford

Wake Forest Athletics