Friday, September 6
Ames, Iowa
7:30 P.M.
Wake Forest University
at
Iowa State
Photo by: Helen McGinnis / Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons Primed for 2024 Cyclone Invite
9/5/2024 10:48:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Another three-day slate of matches is up for Wake Forest volleyball.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Week two of the 2024 fall season takes Wake Forest volleyball (2-1) to the Midwest, as the Demon Deacons will partake in Iowa State's 2024 Cyclone Invite. A Friday evening tilt (Sept. 6) versus the host Cyclones at 7:30 p.m. ET will kick off the weekend, followed by Saturday and Sunday matchups versus Toledo (Sept. 7) and Illinois (Sept. 8), respectively.
Wake Forest's matches versus Iowa State and Toledo will be broadcasted on ESPN+. Tickets for the Friday contest are available, and the university's ticket office will be open for all neutral matches, as a purchased ticket is good for both matches each day.
The Deacs went 2-1 during opening weekend in its hosted invitational, pulling in wins over West Virginia and Navy.
Demon Deacons Matches in 2024 Cyclone Invite
Friday, Sept. 6
Wake Forest at Iowa State – 7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, Sept. 7
Wake Forest vs. Toledo – 1 p.m. ET
Sunday, Sept. 8
Wake Forest vs. Illinois – 1 p.m. ET
Last Time Out
Friday, Aug. 30 – Hofstra 3, Wake Forest 0
Stepping into its season opener last Friday night, Wake Forest faced Hofstra inside Varsity Arena during day one of its hosted invitational. Ultimately, The Pride was able to walk away with a three-set victory (21-25, 23-25, 23-25).
Playing in her first match since the 2022 season, redshirt sophomore Olivia Murphy was a standout during the contest, finishing with a team-best 10 kills. Dior Charles and Sahara Maruska added eight and seven of their own, respectively.
Standout junior libero Emma Farrell led the defensive pace with 17 digs, tied for a match high. Tina Grkovic ended with three blocks for the evening.
Freshman setter Becca Bellows dished out 17 assists while Rian Baker contributed 13.
Saturday, Aug. 31 – Wake Forest 3, West Virginia 2
During day two, the Deacons made a nice bounce back on Saturday night, downing the West Virginia Mountaineers in an exciting, five-set battle (25-15, 15-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-7).
It was Wake Forest's first win over West Virginia since Sept. 10, 2010.
Embracing a first start for the Deacs, graduate transfer Laila Ricks impressed with a match-high 13 kills on a .370 hitting percentage. She and fellow newcomer Tina Grkovic enjoyed standout defensive performances, as the latter reached a new career high in blocks (13). Ricks and Olivia Murphy added six and five (new career high), respectively. As a team, Wake Forest finished with an 18-9 advantage in blocks.
Finishing the night with 23 assists, Rian Baker reached over 1,500 for her career during the fourth set within the contest. The junior setter from Rolling Meadows, Illinois, became the 11th player within program history to achieve the feat. She also added a career-high five service aces, along with seven digs.
Five Deacs had seven or more digs, led by Paige Crawford's 14. Emma Farrell had 12 of her own.
Murphy and Sahara Maruska chipped in 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Freshman Becca Bellows made her first career start, plugging in 19 assists, seven digs and two aces.
Sunday, Sept. 1 – Wake Forest 3, Navy 0
Fresh off the five-set, Saturday night outing, Wake Forest took care of things quickly on Sunday afternoon during the final day of its hosted 2024 invitational. Matched up against Navy, the Deacs were balanced on both ends to ultimately capture a 3-0 sweep (25-17, 25-16, 25-23).
Sunday ended as Wake Forest's first win over Navy in program history, in only the second all-time meeting and first since Oct. 28, 1978.
Notable two-way showings were brought by Dior Charles and Laila Ricks, as the two each rang in eight kills, in addition to three and four blocks, respectively.
Sahara Maruska also had eight kills and Olivia Murphy chipped in seven. For her efforts over the weekend, Murphy was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Defensively, Emma Farrell scooped a match-high 13 digs – being the only player within the contest to reach double figures in that category.
Paige Crawford was excellent in her serving, going for four service aces and tying a career high. Becca Bellows and Rian Baker finished with 18 and 13 assists, respectively.
Establishing an Early Presence
Following week one, the Deacons stand fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in total blocks as a team (2.82/set). Tina Grkovic had plenty to do with that in the 2024 Wake Forest Invitational, totaling 19 of the team's 31.0 through three showings. Her best single-match mark resulted as 13 versus West Virginia – the most by a Deac since Katie Moore's 10 at Notre Dame on Oct. 2, 2016. Additionally, Laila Ricks chipped in 10 blocks during the weekend's entirety, with Dior Charles and Olivia Murphy adding eight apiece.
Protecting Reynolds
Navigating through non-conference play, Wake Forest has been exceptional versus such opponents on its home court under head coach Randi Smart. The team currently holds a 13-2 regular-season record that dates back to the start of the 2019 campaign (non-conference contests did not take place during the 2020 spring season):
Series History
Versus Iowa State
Friday will be the first-ever meeting between the Deacs and Cyclones.
Versus Toledo
Series: Wake Forest leads, 2-0
Last Time: Aug. 25, 2023
Result: W, 3-0
Versus Illinois
Series: Illinois leads, 1-0
Last Time: Sept. 6, 2003
Result: L, 0-3
Scouting the Opposition
Iowa State split its first two matches of the season versus Pacific (W, 3-2) and UNLV (L, 2-3). The Cyclones hold their home opener on Thursday (Sept. 5) versus Toledo. The team was tabbed sixth last month in the 2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Poll, placing Nayeli Gonzalez on the conference's Preseason Team. A sophomore outside hitter, Gonzalez is the early leader for the Cyclones in kills (36) while junior setter Morgan Brandt paces things in assists and service aces. Iowa State finished 20-10 overall a year ago, going 11-7 against Big 12 foes and making a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Toledo visited Wake Forest last August for the Deacs' season opener (Aug. 25, 2023), resulting in a 3-0 victory for the host. The Rockets have pieced a 3-0 record to open fall 2024, collecting wins over Bucknell, Binghamton and Merrimack to sweep the 2024 Binghamton Bearcat Classic. Outside hitter Taylor Alt is back for a fifth year, having been named to the 2024 Preseason All-MAC Team. She led Toledo in kills and aces during week one, while Macy Hatkevich recorded 60 assists for a 5.45 per-set average. Junior outside hitter Izzy Granger joins Alt and Hatkevich as a core of three returning starters.
Illinois won a pair of matches to start the fall – sweeping both Cincinnati and Bowling Green at the latter's 'Best Western Invitational.' Earlier this week (Sept. 3), the Fighting Illini defeated Illinois State in four sets and will face Toledo and Iowa State on Friday (Sept. 6) and Saturday (Sept. 7) before their matchup with Wake Forest. Outside hitter Raina Terry, an All-Big 10 Preseason Team selection, is in her final year and is No. 1 in kills for the team so far. Freshman Ashlyn Philpot already has helped anchor the defense and averaged 8.0 blocks through the first three matches – coming off a showing of 10 blocks and 11 kills versus the Redbirds.
Up Next
Wake Forest stays on the road next week for the 2024 University of South Carolina Invitational (Sept. 13-15). The Deacs enter a field of opponents that includes Florida International, Stetson and the host Gamecocks. A first Friday test versus Florida International at 10 a.m. ET will get the weekend started.
Follow the Deacs
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | GoDeacs.com
Wake Forest's matches versus Iowa State and Toledo will be broadcasted on ESPN+. Tickets for the Friday contest are available, and the university's ticket office will be open for all neutral matches, as a purchased ticket is good for both matches each day.
The Deacs went 2-1 during opening weekend in its hosted invitational, pulling in wins over West Virginia and Navy.
Demon Deacons Matches in 2024 Cyclone Invite
Friday, Sept. 6
Wake Forest at Iowa State – 7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, Sept. 7
Wake Forest vs. Toledo – 1 p.m. ET
Sunday, Sept. 8
Wake Forest vs. Illinois – 1 p.m. ET
Last Time Out
Friday, Aug. 30 – Hofstra 3, Wake Forest 0
Stepping into its season opener last Friday night, Wake Forest faced Hofstra inside Varsity Arena during day one of its hosted invitational. Ultimately, The Pride was able to walk away with a three-set victory (21-25, 23-25, 23-25).
Playing in her first match since the 2022 season, redshirt sophomore Olivia Murphy was a standout during the contest, finishing with a team-best 10 kills. Dior Charles and Sahara Maruska added eight and seven of their own, respectively.
Standout junior libero Emma Farrell led the defensive pace with 17 digs, tied for a match high. Tina Grkovic ended with three blocks for the evening.
Freshman setter Becca Bellows dished out 17 assists while Rian Baker contributed 13.
Saturday, Aug. 31 – Wake Forest 3, West Virginia 2
During day two, the Deacons made a nice bounce back on Saturday night, downing the West Virginia Mountaineers in an exciting, five-set battle (25-15, 15-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-7).
It was Wake Forest's first win over West Virginia since Sept. 10, 2010.
Embracing a first start for the Deacs, graduate transfer Laila Ricks impressed with a match-high 13 kills on a .370 hitting percentage. She and fellow newcomer Tina Grkovic enjoyed standout defensive performances, as the latter reached a new career high in blocks (13). Ricks and Olivia Murphy added six and five (new career high), respectively. As a team, Wake Forest finished with an 18-9 advantage in blocks.
Finishing the night with 23 assists, Rian Baker reached over 1,500 for her career during the fourth set within the contest. The junior setter from Rolling Meadows, Illinois, became the 11th player within program history to achieve the feat. She also added a career-high five service aces, along with seven digs.
Five Deacs had seven or more digs, led by Paige Crawford's 14. Emma Farrell had 12 of her own.
Murphy and Sahara Maruska chipped in 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Freshman Becca Bellows made her first career start, plugging in 19 assists, seven digs and two aces.
Sunday, Sept. 1 – Wake Forest 3, Navy 0
Fresh off the five-set, Saturday night outing, Wake Forest took care of things quickly on Sunday afternoon during the final day of its hosted 2024 invitational. Matched up against Navy, the Deacs were balanced on both ends to ultimately capture a 3-0 sweep (25-17, 25-16, 25-23).
Sunday ended as Wake Forest's first win over Navy in program history, in only the second all-time meeting and first since Oct. 28, 1978.
Notable two-way showings were brought by Dior Charles and Laila Ricks, as the two each rang in eight kills, in addition to three and four blocks, respectively.
Sahara Maruska also had eight kills and Olivia Murphy chipped in seven. For her efforts over the weekend, Murphy was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Defensively, Emma Farrell scooped a match-high 13 digs – being the only player within the contest to reach double figures in that category.
Paige Crawford was excellent in her serving, going for four service aces and tying a career high. Becca Bellows and Rian Baker finished with 18 and 13 assists, respectively.
Establishing an Early Presence
Following week one, the Deacons stand fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in total blocks as a team (2.82/set). Tina Grkovic had plenty to do with that in the 2024 Wake Forest Invitational, totaling 19 of the team's 31.0 through three showings. Her best single-match mark resulted as 13 versus West Virginia – the most by a Deac since Katie Moore's 10 at Notre Dame on Oct. 2, 2016. Additionally, Laila Ricks chipped in 10 blocks during the weekend's entirety, with Dior Charles and Olivia Murphy adding eight apiece.
Protecting Reynolds
Navigating through non-conference play, Wake Forest has been exceptional versus such opponents on its home court under head coach Randi Smart. The team currently holds a 13-2 regular-season record that dates back to the start of the 2019 campaign (non-conference contests did not take place during the 2020 spring season):
- Versus Navy (9/1/24) – W, 3-0
- Versus West Virginia (8/31/24) – W, 3-2
- Versus Hofstra (8/30/24) – L, 0-3
- Versus Grand Canyon (8/27/23) – W, 3-1
- Versus Northeastern (8/26/23) – W, 3-0
- Versus Toledo (8/25/23) – W, 3-0
- Versus South Carolina (9/3/22) – W, 3-1
- Versus Kennesaw State (8/27/22) – W, 3-1
- Versus Western Carolina (8/27/22) – L, 2-3
- Versus NC Central (8/26/22) – W, 3-0
- Versus Davidson (9/17/21) – W, 3-0
- Versus NC A&T (9/14/21) – W, 3-0
- Versus Furman (9/14/19) – W, 3-0
- Versus NC Central (8/31/19) – W, 3-0
- Versus Presbyterian (8/30/19) – W, 3-0
Series History
Versus Iowa State
Friday will be the first-ever meeting between the Deacs and Cyclones.
Versus Toledo
Series: Wake Forest leads, 2-0
Last Time: Aug. 25, 2023
Result: W, 3-0
Versus Illinois
Series: Illinois leads, 1-0
Last Time: Sept. 6, 2003
Result: L, 0-3
Scouting the Opposition
Iowa State split its first two matches of the season versus Pacific (W, 3-2) and UNLV (L, 2-3). The Cyclones hold their home opener on Thursday (Sept. 5) versus Toledo. The team was tabbed sixth last month in the 2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Poll, placing Nayeli Gonzalez on the conference's Preseason Team. A sophomore outside hitter, Gonzalez is the early leader for the Cyclones in kills (36) while junior setter Morgan Brandt paces things in assists and service aces. Iowa State finished 20-10 overall a year ago, going 11-7 against Big 12 foes and making a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Toledo visited Wake Forest last August for the Deacs' season opener (Aug. 25, 2023), resulting in a 3-0 victory for the host. The Rockets have pieced a 3-0 record to open fall 2024, collecting wins over Bucknell, Binghamton and Merrimack to sweep the 2024 Binghamton Bearcat Classic. Outside hitter Taylor Alt is back for a fifth year, having been named to the 2024 Preseason All-MAC Team. She led Toledo in kills and aces during week one, while Macy Hatkevich recorded 60 assists for a 5.45 per-set average. Junior outside hitter Izzy Granger joins Alt and Hatkevich as a core of three returning starters.
Illinois won a pair of matches to start the fall – sweeping both Cincinnati and Bowling Green at the latter's 'Best Western Invitational.' Earlier this week (Sept. 3), the Fighting Illini defeated Illinois State in four sets and will face Toledo and Iowa State on Friday (Sept. 6) and Saturday (Sept. 7) before their matchup with Wake Forest. Outside hitter Raina Terry, an All-Big 10 Preseason Team selection, is in her final year and is No. 1 in kills for the team so far. Freshman Ashlyn Philpot already has helped anchor the defense and averaged 8.0 blocks through the first three matches – coming off a showing of 10 blocks and 11 kills versus the Redbirds.
Up Next
Wake Forest stays on the road next week for the 2024 University of South Carolina Invitational (Sept. 13-15). The Deacs enter a field of opponents that includes Florida International, Stetson and the host Gamecocks. A first Friday test versus Florida International at 10 a.m. ET will get the weekend started.
Follow the Deacs
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | GoDeacs.com
Players Mentioned
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