Wake Forest University
1-0,0-0ACC
NC Central
0-1,0-0MEAC
Deacs Rout Eagles in Season Opener
8/26/2022 9:58:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Volleyball is back in DEACTOWN!
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Spectators in Reynolds Gymnasium were able to witness a balanced, offensive attack by Wake Forest Volleyball (1-0, 0-0) on Friday evening (Aug. 26). Working as a complete unit, the Demon Deacons defeated NC Central (0-1, 0-0) in three sets for a home victory in the team's season opener.
Freshman Paige Crawford led the way with a double-double of 13 kills and 10 digs in her collegiate debut. She was one of three Deacs to plug in double-digit numbers in digs, as classmate Emma Farrell chipped 13 of those (match-high).
Setter Andrea Fuentes played a major role in steadying Wake Forest's offensive tempo, dishing out 28 assists to lead all individuals. The graduate student also added three service aces. Sophomore Kalani Whillock had a well-rounded performance of six kills, seven digs, and three aces.
The Deacons stood out in their serving game, delivering nine service aces in comparison to the Eagles' one.
Wake Forest outperformed the Eagles in all major statistical categories of points, kills, service aces, blocks, assists, and digs.
A total of 504 fans in attendance set a new record for the most in Randi Smart's head coaching tenure in the program.
How it Happened
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Back-to-back kills from senior Emmy Ogogor initiated Wake Forest's attack from the early jump.
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The Deacs pieced a 9-2 start in the first set.
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Olivia Franke, Crawford, Whillock all plugged in strong hits, with the latter notching four kills in the first period.
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Wake Forest displayed significant efficiency in punching the ball through set one, tallying a .321 hitting percentage.
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The Deacs won the first set, 25-12.
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A balanced attack continued for Wake Forest in the second, taking an 8-0 push to start.
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Crawford and Ogogor had five kills apiece at the time of play.
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Errors from NC Central allowed points to flow toward the way of the Black and Old Gold.
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Audrey Douglas threw down a kill from the right side to bump her squad's lead to 19-3.
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Wake Forest closed the period with continued dominance, 25-5.
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Five different players contributed at least one kill in the stretch.
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Some back-and-forth play made up early possessions in the third frame, tied at 5-5.
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NC Central once again struggled with various errors on attacks and serves, while Wake Forest stayed close throughout the 'seesaw play,' even again at 12-12.
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Senior Peyton Suess was a spark, giving her team some power at the net for a trio of kills.
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Meanwhile, Crawford continued to shine, posting six of her 13 kills in the final period.
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After narrowly trailing, the Deacs seized momentum late, scoring three of its next four tries to lead 22-19.
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Two late errors by the Eagles led to a final swing by Suess straight to the floor, putting the cap on an exciting first night in Reynolds Gymnasium.
Standout Stat
Paige Crawford started her first year in the program with a bang, going for a double-double of 13 kills and 10 digs. Additionally, Wake Forest was led by a fellow freshman, Emma Farrell, on the defensive end, who collected 13 digs.
Wake Forest had three players end with five or more kills:
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Paige Crawford - 13
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Emmy Ogogor - 6
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Kalani Whillock - 6
From the Head Honcho
"It was great to be back on the court!" said head coach Randi Smart. "The fans and support from Deacon Nation was exciting and made the gym alive! Thank you to all who came.
"Our team played well tonight. We stayed focused and took care of our goals for the match. We want to serve tough and out-dig teams. It felt good to do that against a gritty NC Central team."
Up Next
Wake Forest's hosted invitational continues tomorrow (Aug. 27), taking on Western Carolina and Kennesaw State at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
