South Raleigh News

In Raleigh, North Carolina, the NC State volleyball team achieved a straight-set victory over Wake Forest at Reynolds Coliseum. This win brings the Wolfpack's record to 13-10 overall and 8-7 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

The match began with NC State establishing an early lead through a 3-0 scoring run. They maintained their advantage, reaching 15 points first and holding a three-point lead during the media timeout. Despite Wake Forest's efforts to close the gap, NC State secured the first set with a 25-19 win. Ava Brizard, Courtney Bryant, and Amanda Rice led all scorers with four kills each and hitting efficiencies above .500 after this initial set.

Continuing their momentum into the second set, NC State opened with a strong 7-2 scoring run. Although Wake Forest narrowed the deficit to three points at one stage (8-5), they could not stop NC State from extending their lead to seven points (24-17). A decisive kill by Madison Williams concluded the second set in favor of NC State at 25-17.

Wake Forest rallied in the third set, gaining an early 6-0 lead which prompted an early timeout by NC State's head coach Luka Slabe. The Wolfpack managed to tie the score at 16-all after trailing by four points earlier in the set. The teams exchanged points until Wake Forest gained a two-point advantage. However, Paige Crawford's crucial kill tied it again at 24-all during match point for NC State.

Following a challenge on Wake Forest's claimed 26th point that was overturned upon review, Courtney Bryant secured her ninth kill of the evening tying it once more at 25-all. An attack error by Crawford allowed Amanda Rice to clinch set three for NC State with a final score of 27-25.

This victory marks several milestones: it is their thirteenth win of the season, eighth conference win, and contributes to both program history records - being their 813th overall and 211th conference victories - as well as being coach Luka Slabe’s 75th win.

Statistical leaders for this match include Courtney Bryant with ten kills; Skye Stokes who achieved nineteen digs; Naomi Cabello providing twenty assists; Sophie Groom and Amanda Rice each recording four blocks; and Skye Stokes serving three aces.

NC State will face Wake Forest again on Saturday, November 16th at their opponent's home court with first serve scheduled for 7 p.m., broadcasted on ACCNX.