Sports > November 29, 2007

By Lindsey Binder | Staff writer

Over Thanksgiving Break, the Demon Deacons played two tough matches against Virginia Tech and Virginia. Unfortunately the Deacs lost both matches to finish the season 8-23 overall and 4-17 in the ACC.

“For our team to come into this match focused and playing with high energy says a lot about the heart of this team,” Head Coach Heather Kahl said.

For the first time in 21 years, Virginia Tech swept Wake Forest in three matches. During game one, the Hokies jumped out to an early 5-4 lead and then went on an 11-2 run to take a commanding 16-6 lead. From there the Deacs were never able to get within nine and Virginia Tech won 30-14. The Hokies once again jumped out to an early 4-1 lead but then the Demon Deacons fought to take the lead 8-6. Virginia Tech countered with an 11-2 run to take a 15-10 advantage. Wake Forest responded and pulled within one of Virginia Tech at 20-19. The Hokies then scored six straight points. The Lady Deacs responded with three to make the score 26-23 but the Hokies were able to hold on for a 30-26 win. Finally, game three was commanded by Virginia Tech. The Hokies jumped out to an early 12-2 lead and never let the Deacons within five for the remainder of the game. VT scored the final three points of the game to win 30-23. Freshman Lauren Thornberry posted double digit-figures for digs at 15.

After coming off a difficult match, the Demon Deacons were hoping to end the season with a W. It was a hard-fought match against Virginia with many players posting exceptional individual performances. After taking the initial points in game one, UVA used an 8-2 lead to break a 3-3 tie. After that, the Cavaliers never let the Deacs within four and won the game 30-23. During game two, Virginia took a16-8 lead. The Deacs responded with a 13-4 run to take a 21-20 lead. Then UVA took the first two game points to put the match at 30-29. Wake responded and the game was tied at 33-33. Then the Deacs posted two kills to take a 35-33 win. Late in the third game, UVA scored four unanswered points to take a 25-18 lead and eventually won the game 30-26. Wake Forest won game four 30-25 after breaking a 17-17 tie by scoring four straight points. Game five was a nail-biter as the two teams traded the lead multiple times. Virginia led 2-0 and 5-3 before Wake battled back to take a 7-5 lead. With the game tied at 11-11, the Cavaliers scored three points to make it match point. The Deacs then posted a kill to get within two. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough, as UVA scored the next point to win the game and the match.

“Though the score does not reflect how well we played on Friday night, it will be a great jump start to our spring season,” Kahl said. “This team is excited about the spring season and the talent we have returning. They understand the importance of spring season, and they know that it is preparation for next fall.”