Wake Forest University
Duke
Deacs Return to Reynolds For Big Four Outing Against Duke on Sunday
11/5/2022 12:39:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The rival Blue Devils come to town for the weekend.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – With five matches remaining in its 2022 regular-season slate, Wake Forest volleyball (13-11, 5-8) has its sights set on a major Sunday (Nov. 6) opportunity: hosting Duke University (13-11, 4-9) in an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Four showing. The start time is set for 1 p.m. ET.
Sunday's match will air on ACC Network Extra.
The Demon Deacons have played well on their own court this fall, currently holding a 7-3 record at home.
Most recently, Wake Forest visited Virginia Tech earlier this week on Wednesday (Nov. 6). The contest was the Deacs' first midweek match of the season.
The Match
Sunday, Nov. 6 – Wake Forest vs. Duke – 1 p.m. ET
Last Time Out
Wednesday, Nov. 2 – Virginia Tech 3, Wake Forest 0
Opening up the month of November, Wake Forest traveled to its neighboring state for a midweek matchup against Virginia Tech 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.
(Another) Big Four Showdown
Sunday's match will be the Deacs' third Big Four matchup of the season, as the team won their first two such contests in early October, downing North Carolina (Oct. 7) and NC State (Oct. 9) in 3-1 decisions. The weekend sweep was Wake Forest's first in ACC play since October 2018.
Take Them Back to the 90s!
Aside from the Big Four matchup, Sunday will also feature '90s Day' as a throwback theme. The first 200 fans to arrive at Reynolds Gymnasium will receive a sleeping mask, marking the end of Daylight Savings. Additionally, spectators can swing by a 1990s-themed photobooth at the Marketing table that includes props of various glow-in-the-dark items, such as glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces. Opportunities to answer 90s Trivia and win prizes will be available. Music from the 1990s is slated to play throughout the match, adding to the afternoon theme.
Maintaining the Marks
Wake Forest has maintained its place among the ACC's best in team digs-per-set, ranking second (14.51) as the final weeks of the regular season approaches. Additionally, the Deacons' 1,248 total digs throughout the year are the third-best mark within member schools. Emma Farrell has enjoyed a standout, freshman campaign in being the conference's individual digs-per-set leader (4.45) since week two.
Series History
Versus Duke
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Series: Duke leads, 56-16
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Last Meeting: Nov. 5, 2021
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Result: L, 0-3
Scouting the Opposition
Sitting right below Wake Forest in the ACC standings, Duke most recently suffered a 3-1 defeat at Virginia Tech on Friday (Nov. 4). The Blue Devils have won four matches in conference play, along with being a top-5 ACC team in points and service aces. Gracie Johnson ranks second and third in the ACC in points-per-set (4.93) and kills-per-set (4.11), respectively. Devon Chang orchestrates the offense with a team-best 909 total assists – the second-highest mark in the conference. Rylie Kadel is a top-three ACC individual in total blocks (107). Duke currently holds an advantage in combined kills, assists, aces, and blocks over its opponents.
Up Next
Wake Forest will have a week to prepare for its next matchup: a Sunday (Nov. 13) meeting with Virginia Tech at home.
