After tough losses to ACC rivals Duke and Maryland, the Wake Forest women's volleyball team bounced back and smoked the Virginia Cavaliers in three straight games, improving their record to 12-14 (5-7 ACC). The Deacs will now have plenty of time to prepare for tough ACC opponents N.C. State and UNC on Nov. 8 and 9.

In their game against the Cavs on Nov. 2, the Deacs were very confident. "The girls went into their match knowing that they were going to win," third-year Head Coach Valorie Baker said. Boasting a chip on their shoulder, the Deacs proceeded to dominate the Cavaliers with their accurate hitting and solid defense. The team ended up with an attack percentage of .290 and a total of 10 team blocks.

"We were very consistent with our defense and blocking, more so than I have seen in awhile," Baker said.

The sweep of Virginia left no doubt that there were no layover effects from their two tough losses last week. "We came back very strong, I was impressed with the attitude we had coming into the match," Baker said. The 30-24, 30-21, 30-24 victory marked the first time the Deacs swept an opponent since their sweep of East Tennessee State earlier in October.

The Deacs were most impressive in their attack against the Cavs, as they had five players with an attack percentage over .300.

Leading the Deacs in kills were Jessica Hauf and Valerie Rydberg with 11, while freshman Christy Williams was no slouch herself, tallying nine kills. Setting up these players was senior setter Ashlee Phillips who dished out 42 assists and had a team-high 12 digs.

After the victory the Deacs returned home to enjoy a rare break. They are enjoying a week off before their next games against N.C. State this Nov. 8, and UNC on Nov. 9.

Baker labeled this weekend's games as "extremely important," since the team only has four games left in the regular season before the ACC Tournament.

And what was once thought to be an easy win against ACC bottom dweller, N.C. State, is no longer as simple. "N.C. State has been down but they are playing well right now and improving, they have taken games from top teams in the ACC," Baker said.

Meanwhile, the Tar Heels never were thought to be a pushover and that most definitely hasn't changed. UNC is ranked 13th in the country and currently leads the ACC. For the Deacs to get past the Heels, they will have to show the consistency and efficiency they displayed in Charlottesville on Nov. 9.