The Wake Forest volleyball team faced off against Florida State in its Atlantic Coast Conference home opener on October 6, 2023. The Demon Deacons, with a record of 7-7 and 1-2 in the ACC, fought hard but fell to the Seminoles, who improved to 8-4 with a 2-1 ACC record. The match concluded with a narrow five-set loss for Wake Forest, finishing 3-2.
Match Highlights
During the contest, Wake Forest showcased a strong defensive performance, recording 14 blocks, with redshirt junior Sanaa Williams leading the effort with a career-high of 10 blocks. Additionally, she contributed six kills to the team’s total. Graduate student Ryleigh Whitekettle emerged as the top scorer for Wake with 13 kills, while senior Paige Crawford added 12 kills and also achieved a double-double with 10 digs.
- Sanaa Williams: 10 blocks, 6 kills
- Ryleigh Whitekettle: 13 kills
- Paige Crawford: 12 kills, 10 digs
- Rian Baker: 23 assists, 12 digs
- Becca Bellows: 26 assists, 7 digs, 3 aces
Set Breakdown
Set One
The match began with Florida State taking the lead. However, Wake Forest quickly responded, enjoying a 5-0 run midway through the first set. Whitekettle secured the first set for Wake with a decisive kill, ending it at 25-22.
Set Two
Florida State dominated the second set, creating a 25-13 score. Despite strong plays from Crawford and Poeck, the Seminoles capitalized on errors and built a substantial lead.
Set Three
In a tightly contested third set, Wake Forest managed to tie the score at 19-19 after trailing earlier. Despite their efforts, Florida State edged out a 25-23 victory.
Set Four
Wake Forest regained momentum in the fourth set, winning decisively 25-15. Key contributions came from Whitekettle and Williams, propelling the team to a dominant performance.
Set Five
The final set saw Florida State initially take control, but Wake Forest kept fighting back. Ultimately, the Seminoles sealed the match with a 15-12 win.
Season Stats and Notes
This match was the 49th encounter between Wake Forest and Florida State in program history. Williams has amassed 20 blocks over her last 12 sets, while Crawford surpassed 100 career blocks during the match. This contest marked Wake Forest’s third five-set match of the season.
Coaching Perspective
Head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer praised the team’s effort, highlighting their resilience throughout the match. He emphasized the need for continued improvement to secure victories in future matches.
Next Steps
Wake Forest will next host No. 22 Miami on October 8, 2023, at 1 p.m. The match can be viewed on ACC Network Extra.
