Oct. 5, 2006

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Wake Forest volleyball team returns home this weekend for a pair of pivotal ACC matches against Virginia Tech and Virginia. The Demon Deacons square off against the Hokies on Friday at 7 p.m. and then face the Cavaliers Saturday at 6 p.m.

With all three teams battling to remain in the top half of the ACC standings, this weekend will prove important in the early part of the conference season.

Virginia enters the weekend in second place in the conference with a 5-1 league record, while Wake Forest is currently tied for fourth with a 3-1 mark. Virginia Tech is right behind the Deacons at 4-2.

Wake is riding a two-match winning streak after earning a pair of road wins over North Carolina and NC State last week. The Demon Deacons have won three of their first four ACC matches, knocking off Georgia Tech two weekends ago.

Virginia Tech comes to town with a 10-5 overall record. The Hokies are coming off a five-game loss at Boston College last Sunday and have lost two of three matches following a six-match winning streak.

Friday's match between the Demon Deacons and Hokies will be the 26th all-time, with Virginia Tech holding an 18-7 advantage. Last season the two teams split their series, as each won in three games at home. Wake has won three of the last five meetings with Virginia Tech, dating back to 2002.

Virginia enters the weekend 12-3 overall. The Cavaliers will face ACC leader Duke on Friday in a matchup of the current top two teams in the league. Virginia has won five straight and six of its last seven matches.

Saturday will be the 30th all-time meeting between Wake Forest and Virginia. The Cavaliers hold a slim 15-14 advantage in the series and have won four straight over the Deacs.

Wake Forest will remain at home the following week, as it hosts in-state rival Duke on Tuesday. The Demon Deacons will then host Maryland and Boston College next weekend.