WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Spectators in Varsity Arena were able to witness an absolute thriller of postseason volleyball action on Friday evening (Dec. 2), as Wake Forest stayed the course to defeat Coppin State (23-11) in the first round of the 2022 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). Trailing 2-1 in the match, the Demon Deacons (17-13) secured the final two sets for a 3-2 victory (25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 25-17, 21-19).
Wake Forest will advance on to play Davidson in the tournament’s second round tomorrow (Dec. 3), held in Varsity Arena and scheduled for a 4 p.m. ET first serve.
Paige Crawford showed up and showed out in her collegiate postseason debut, tying her career high in kills (21) to lead all individuals. The 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) All-Freshman Team pick was one of four Deacs to finish in double-figures in kills – joining her was Peyton Suess (15), Olivia Franke (11), and Emmy Ogogor (11). The latter tied her career high.
Franke also stood out defensively, adding six blocks.
Fresh off her 2022 ACC Freshman of the Year nod, Emma Farrell proved her defensive prowess yet again, recording a team-high 23 digs. Megan Merril chipped in 10 digs, reaching double-digits for the sixth time this season.
Andrea Fuentes and Rian Baker tallied 31 and 22 assists, respectively, at the setter positions.
Wake Forest outperformed Coppin State in kills (63-61), assists (58-55), and digs (64-60).
How it Happened
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Kills by Paige Crawford and Emmy Ogogor started off the…
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