Friday, September 29
Winston-Salem, N.C.
6 P.M.
Wake Forest University
vs
Clemson
Photo by: Eric Roth
Wake Forest Continues Homestand With Weekend Matches Versus Clemson and No. 11 Georgia Tech
9/28/2023 10:29:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
The program’s annual ‘Dig Pink’ and Mental Health Awareness matches headline the weekend.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A second week of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) competition at home is lined up for Wake Forest volleyball this weekend, as the Demon Deacons will close out September with a Friday outing versus Clemson (Sept. 29) before opening October in a Sunday showing against nationally-ranked Georgia Tech (Oct. 1).
Wake Forest is 10-3 overall on the year and 1-1 within ACC play.
Both matches will be available for live streaming on ACC Network Extra, along with live stats.
Annual themed matches by the program, 'Dig Pink' and Mental Health Awareness, are set to make up the two days in Varsity Arena.
The Deacs have performed well at home this year, currently resting at a 4-1 clip.
The Matches
Friday, Sept. 29
Wake Forest vs. Clemson – 6 p.m. ET
Saturday, Oct. 1
Wake Forest vs. No. 11 Georgia Tech – 1 p.m. ET
Fan Information
Admission is free for all Wake Forest volleyball home matches. The team plays each home contest in Varsity Arena, located on the second level of Reynolds Gymnasium (21 Wingate Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27109).
Weekend Themes
Wake Forest's annual 'Dig Pink' match takes over Friday's contest versus Clemson, centering around breast cancer awareness. Additionally, prior to first serve, the program will recognize its 2023 Heather Holmes Tenacity Award winner.
The first Heather Holmes Tenacity Award was presented to Wake Forest senior Caitlin Clarke on Oct. 27, 2019. The award is presented in memory of Coach Holmes to the player who best embodies Heather's tenacious and indomitable spirit, displaying characteristics such as persistence, grit, kindness, passion and leadership. Graduate student setter Andrea Fuentes received the honor a year ago in 2022.
The first 200 fans who arrive at Varsity Arena on Friday will receive a free 'Dig Pink' shirt.
Sunday will feature a mental health awareness theme, as green-colored items will be made available for fans and worn by Wake Forest players.
Last Time Out
Wake Forest went 1-1 in its first weekend of conference play, knocking off Miami last Friday (Sept. 22) before falling to Florida State on Sunday (Sept. 24).
Friday, Sept. 22 – Wake Forest 3, Miami 1
Fresh and finally back at home following a three-week road stretch and the conclusion of non-conference action, Wake Forest volleyball came to play in its ACC opener, downing Miami in a 3-1 victory inside an energetic Varsity Arena. After falling short in set one, the Demon Deacons stormed back through the next three, capturing the win.
The victory was Wake Forest's first over Miami since Nov. 9, 2018. Additionally, it was the team's first win in a season conference opener since the 2014 campaign. The Deacs' 10-2 start is their best in a single season since 2019.
Friday night included standout sophomore Paige Crawford's 500th career kill, happening near the end of set four on a hit down the middle of the floor. The Wimberley, Texas native recorded a team-high 17 kills on the evening, along with five digs, two blocks and two aces.
Ava Carney shined in one of her most efficient performances of the fall thus far. The freshman hitter totaled 15 kills on a .440 attacking clip while adding five digs.
Rian Baker fell just short of grabbing a third consecutive double-double, finishing with 39 assists and nine digs.
Emmy Ogogor impressed with 10 kills (.381), four blocks and two service aces. Fellow middle blocker, Dior Charles, had five kills and a team-best five blocks.
On the defensive side, Ava Torrance and Emma Farrell posted 12 and 10 digs, respectively. Farrell additionally tossed five assists.
Sharp in their serving game, Wake Forest outperformed the Hurricanes in aces (7-5).
Sunday, Sept. 24 – Florida State 3, Wake Forest 0
Wake Forest brought in the Florida State Seminoles on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 24) for a second conference test of the fall. The Demon Deacons ultimately fell in a 3-0 defeat.
Paige Crawford was the team's leader in kills (9) for the second match in a row and eighth time this year. The sophomore hitter added six digs to her line, tied for a team-high.
Emmy Ogogor and Olivia Fish chipped in seven and six kills, respectively.
Rian Baker finished the day with 23 assists and five digs.
Dior Charles registered five blocks – her fifth-straight showing of five or more.
Emma Farrell and Kalani Whillock collected six digs apiece. Setter Kylie Adams delivered her first assists of the season, contributing three.
Newest Member of the 1K Club
In the Deacs' most recent contest, sophomore setter Rian Baker recorded the 1,000th assist of her young collegiate career, happening on the Deacs' third point of the first set. She became the 15th all-time player to reach over 1,000 assists.
The Rolling Meadows, Illinois, native has registered 40 or more assists on six different occasions this year, including a team-best four double-doubles:
Defensive Spark
Graduate student and newcomer Ava Torrance has added reliable depth to the Deacons' defensive presence from the very start, having appeared in each of the team's 13 matches while making four starts. The lively Indiana native has already reached a new career high of 13 digs in two separate showings. Torrance has also led Wake Forest in digs twice and registered double-figures in that category four times.
Amongst the League
Three Deacons continue to hold rankings in the ACC's individual statistical categories:
Additional Notes
Series History
Versus Clemson
Versus Georgia Tech
Scouting the Opposition
Clemson is 9-5 overall on the year and still seeking its first conference victory this fall. Freshman Kennedy Wagner has stood out in her first collegiate season, leading the Tigers in points (148.0), total kills (115), kills-per-set (2.67) and service aces (22). Three other players have also totaled 80 or more kills: Aźyah Dailey (96), Mia McGrath (85), Adria Powell (80). Mckenna Slavik remains the go-to setter with a team-leading 325 assists while she and Devan Taylor have tallied 110 and 204 digs, respectively. Powell best protects the net with 73 blocks. As a team, Clemson is third in blocks and fifth in digs within the league.
Tabbed No. 11 in the last American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Coaches Poll (per. Sept. 25), Georgia Tech has won all but one of its 12 matches up to date and opened ACC play with 3-1 wins over Clemson and NC State. Senior outside hitter Tamare Otene was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday (Sept. 25) after recording a total of 38 kills (4.75/set), 28 digs, three blocks, two aces and an assist through the aforementioned victories against the Tigers and Wolfpack. Otene is currently ranked seventh among the conference with 3.54 kills-per-set and eighth in the ACC in points-per-set (3.92). Other standouts on the team include:
Up Next
Wake Forest jumps back into travel next week for its first conference road matches of the year, visiting Boston College (Oct. 6) and Syracuse (Oct. 8).
Follow the Deacs
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | GoDeacs.com
Wake Forest is 10-3 overall on the year and 1-1 within ACC play.
Both matches will be available for live streaming on ACC Network Extra, along with live stats.
Annual themed matches by the program, 'Dig Pink' and Mental Health Awareness, are set to make up the two days in Varsity Arena.
The Deacs have performed well at home this year, currently resting at a 4-1 clip.
The Matches
Friday, Sept. 29
Wake Forest vs. Clemson – 6 p.m. ET
Saturday, Oct. 1
Wake Forest vs. No. 11 Georgia Tech – 1 p.m. ET
Fan Information
Admission is free for all Wake Forest volleyball home matches. The team plays each home contest in Varsity Arena, located on the second level of Reynolds Gymnasium (21 Wingate Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27109).
Weekend Themes
Wake Forest's annual 'Dig Pink' match takes over Friday's contest versus Clemson, centering around breast cancer awareness. Additionally, prior to first serve, the program will recognize its 2023 Heather Holmes Tenacity Award winner.
🩷 𝐃𝐈𝐆 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐊 returns this week 🩷
— Wake Volleyball (@WakeVolleyball) September 26, 2023
Join us on Friday evening at 6⃣ p.m. ET 🆚 Clemson in our annual match for Breast Cancer Awareness while also honoring former head coach Heather Holmes.#GoDeacs 🎩🏐🎗️ pic.twitter.com/M826locrUI
The first Heather Holmes Tenacity Award was presented to Wake Forest senior Caitlin Clarke on Oct. 27, 2019. The award is presented in memory of Coach Holmes to the player who best embodies Heather's tenacious and indomitable spirit, displaying characteristics such as persistence, grit, kindness, passion and leadership. Graduate student setter Andrea Fuentes received the honor a year ago in 2022.
The first 200 fans who arrive at Varsity Arena on Friday will receive a free 'Dig Pink' shirt.
these shirts sure do stand out 🩷
— Wake Volleyball (@WakeVolleyball) September 28, 2023
be one of the first 2⃣0⃣0⃣ fans to arrive for tomorrow's 6 p.m. match and get one for free!#GoDeacs 🎩🏐 | 𝗗𝗶𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸 pic.twitter.com/Mt7ShGzoif
Sunday will feature a mental health awareness theme, as green-colored items will be made available for fans and worn by Wake Forest players.
Last Time Out
Wake Forest went 1-1 in its first weekend of conference play, knocking off Miami last Friday (Sept. 22) before falling to Florida State on Sunday (Sept. 24).
Friday, Sept. 22 – Wake Forest 3, Miami 1
Fresh and finally back at home following a three-week road stretch and the conclusion of non-conference action, Wake Forest volleyball came to play in its ACC opener, downing Miami in a 3-1 victory inside an energetic Varsity Arena. After falling short in set one, the Demon Deacons stormed back through the next three, capturing the win.
The victory was Wake Forest's first over Miami since Nov. 9, 2018. Additionally, it was the team's first win in a season conference opener since the 2014 campaign. The Deacs' 10-2 start is their best in a single season since 2019.
Friday night included standout sophomore Paige Crawford's 500th career kill, happening near the end of set four on a hit down the middle of the floor. The Wimberley, Texas native recorded a team-high 17 kills on the evening, along with five digs, two blocks and two aces.
Ava Carney shined in one of her most efficient performances of the fall thus far. The freshman hitter totaled 15 kills on a .440 attacking clip while adding five digs.
Rian Baker fell just short of grabbing a third consecutive double-double, finishing with 39 assists and nine digs.
Emmy Ogogor impressed with 10 kills (.381), four blocks and two service aces. Fellow middle blocker, Dior Charles, had five kills and a team-best five blocks.
On the defensive side, Ava Torrance and Emma Farrell posted 12 and 10 digs, respectively. Farrell additionally tossed five assists.
Sharp in their serving game, Wake Forest outperformed the Hurricanes in aces (7-5).
Sunday, Sept. 24 – Florida State 3, Wake Forest 0
Wake Forest brought in the Florida State Seminoles on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 24) for a second conference test of the fall. The Demon Deacons ultimately fell in a 3-0 defeat.
Paige Crawford was the team's leader in kills (9) for the second match in a row and eighth time this year. The sophomore hitter added six digs to her line, tied for a team-high.
Emmy Ogogor and Olivia Fish chipped in seven and six kills, respectively.
Rian Baker finished the day with 23 assists and five digs.
Dior Charles registered five blocks – her fifth-straight showing of five or more.
Emma Farrell and Kalani Whillock collected six digs apiece. Setter Kylie Adams delivered her first assists of the season, contributing three.
Newest Member of the 1K Club
In the Deacs' most recent contest, sophomore setter Rian Baker recorded the 1,000th assist of her young collegiate career, happening on the Deacs' third point of the first set. She became the 15th all-time player to reach over 1,000 assists.
The Rolling Meadows, Illinois, native has registered 40 or more assists on six different occasions this year, including a team-best four double-doubles:
- At Davidson (9/16/23): 50 assists and 13 digs
- Versus App State (9/15/23): 43 assists and 14 digs
- At Kennesaw State (9/8/23): 44 assists and 13 digs
- Versus Grand Canyon (8/27/23): 43 assists and 10 digs
Defensive Spark
Graduate student and newcomer Ava Torrance has added reliable depth to the Deacons' defensive presence from the very start, having appeared in each of the team's 13 matches while making four starts. The lively Indiana native has already reached a new career high of 13 digs in two separate showings. Torrance has also led Wake Forest in digs twice and registered double-figures in that category four times.
- Versus Miami (9/22/23) – 12 digs
- At Davidson (9/16/23) – 13 digs
- Versus Florida International (9/3/23) – 13 digs
- Versus Grand Canyon (8/27/23) – 11 digs
Amongst the League
Three Deacons continue to hold rankings in the ACC's individual statistical categories:
- Rian Baker – 5th in assists (9.75/set)
- Dior Charles – 7th in blocks (1.22/set)
- Olivia Franke – 8th in hitting percentage (.412)
Additional Notes
- Freshman middle blocker Dior Charles has tallied five or more blocks in her last five matches.
- Versus Florida State (Sept. 24) – 5
- Versus Miami (Sept. 22) – 5
- At Davidson (Sept. 16) – 5
- Versus App State (Sept. 15) – 7
- Versus Mississippi State (Sept. 10) – 6
- Junior Kalani Whillock sits at 700 career digs.
- Paige Crawford has led the Deacs in kills eight times this fall, five of which such performances have included 15 or more in that statistical category.
- Wake Forest completed a season sweep over Clemson in 2022, going 2-0 over the Tigers.
Series History
Versus Clemson
- Series: Clemson leads, 32-19
- Last Time: Nov. 25, 2022
- Result: W, 3-1
Versus Georgia Tech
- Series: Georgia Tech leads, 39-12
- Last Time: Sept. 23, 2022
- Result: L, 0-3
Scouting the Opposition
Clemson is 9-5 overall on the year and still seeking its first conference victory this fall. Freshman Kennedy Wagner has stood out in her first collegiate season, leading the Tigers in points (148.0), total kills (115), kills-per-set (2.67) and service aces (22). Three other players have also totaled 80 or more kills: Aźyah Dailey (96), Mia McGrath (85), Adria Powell (80). Mckenna Slavik remains the go-to setter with a team-leading 325 assists while she and Devan Taylor have tallied 110 and 204 digs, respectively. Powell best protects the net with 73 blocks. As a team, Clemson is third in blocks and fifth in digs within the league.
Tabbed No. 11 in the last American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Coaches Poll (per. Sept. 25), Georgia Tech has won all but one of its 12 matches up to date and opened ACC play with 3-1 wins over Clemson and NC State. Senior outside hitter Tamare Otene was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday (Sept. 25) after recording a total of 38 kills (4.75/set), 28 digs, three blocks, two aces and an assist through the aforementioned victories against the Tigers and Wolfpack. Otene is currently ranked seventh among the conference with 3.54 kills-per-set and eighth in the ACC in points-per-set (3.92). Other standouts on the team include:
- Sophomore middle blocker Liv Mogridge – .446 hitting percentage and 3.52 kills-per-set
- Senior setter Isabella D'Amico – 9.38 assists-per-set
- Junior outside hitter Bianca Bertolino – a league-best 27 service aces
- Fifth-year defensive specialist Paola Pimentel – a league-best 255 digs (4.72/set)
- Freshman outside hitter Larissa Mendes – 4.23 points-per-set
Up Next
Wake Forest jumps back into travel next week for its first conference road matches of the year, visiting Boston College (Oct. 6) and Syracuse (Oct. 8).
Follow the Deacs
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | GoDeacs.com
Players Mentioned
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