Sports > November 1, 2007

By Lindsey Binder | Staff writer

The Demon Deacons lost matches against Maryland and Boston College on Oct. 26 and Oct. 28, dropping their overall record to 7-16 and their ACC record to 4-10.

However, the Oct. 28 match against Boston College was speical for junior Natalie Mullikin as she broke Wake Forest’s block solo record, previously held by Jenny Kraner (1984-’86) who had 87. Mullikin now has 88 blocks.

“It’s a pretty cool feeling to know that the hard work is paying off and has earned me a spot in Wake’s record book,” she said.

In addition, Mullikin ranks in the top four on Wake Forest’s career lists for total blocks, block assists and blocks per game. Her record-breaking block came on the second play in game three as she stuffed Boston College’s Abigail Hasebroock.

In game one, Wake jumped out to an early 10-7 lead. The Terrapins came back though to score six points in a row and take the lead. The Deacons came within three at one point, but Maryland held on to win the game 30-19. Mullikin had five kills and freshman Megan Thornberry had six digs.

Maryland continued its domination by starting game two with a 7-1 lead. The Deacons mounted a 10-5 run to come within one point of the Terrapins at 12-11. The Demon Deacons kept it close up to the 17-16 mark, but from there Maryland scored six straight points. The Terps went on to win 30-21. Freshmen Lauren McIntyre and Kristen White each had two blocks.

Maryland maintained a commanding lead throughout game three. The Terps led 5-3 and went on a 14-3 run to take the lead 19-6. After that, the Deacs never got within 11 of the Terps and Maryland won 30-17. Mullikin recorded four kills in this game.

“We just never got into a rhythm against Maryland, they did a great job shutting down our offense with their blocks,” said Head Coach Heather Kahl Holmes said.

In their Oct. 26 match againts Boston Collge the Deacons won game one 30-24 and game two 30-28. In game three, the Deacons fell behind 20-10 but went on a 7-0 run to get within three. BC held onto the lead and won 30-23.

During game four, the two teams were knoted at 19. The Eagles broke the tie by going on an 11-3 run to win 30-22.

The Deacons had an early lead 12-10 in game five and then Boston College posted three straight points to take a 13-12 lead.

The Deacons immediately retaliated and tied the game at 13-all, but it wasn’t enough. Boston College took the final two points and won the game 15-13. With that the Eagles won the match three games to two.

“I thought we showed a lot fight and focus in our match against Boston College, we just had a difficult time closing out the match,” Kahl said.

Three Deacons had double-double nights — freshmen Kelsey Jones, White and senior Michael Faulkner. Jones had 50 assists, 13 digs and four block assists. White had 13 kills, 15 digs and four block assists. Faulkner posted 10 kills and 15 digs. Thornberry led the Deacons with 22 digs. Sophomore Abby Miller had 11 digs. Coming off the bench, junior Ashley Homitz recorded nine kills and four block assists. McIntyre finished the game with six blocks and six kills.

“We have to learn to finish our matches as strong as we start them; executing our game plan at the end of the match will be key for us,” Kahl said. “Our blocking and defense have remained steady, now if we can get our offense going and put some balls away, we should be OK.”

Next up, the Deacs host Florida State at 7p.m. Nov.2 and Miami at 6p.m. Nov. 3.