Maryland volleyball started strong Sunday against Wake Forest, carrying momentum from its five-game win streak. Its first set showed promise that the Terps could beat the Demon Deacons in their first matchup since 2018, capturing the set, 25-21.
But Wake Forest bounced back, winning the next three sets to take the match, 3–1, and cool Maryland’s hot stretch.
Through the initial set, Maryland’s efficiency far outpaced Wake Forest. While the Demon Deacons tallied 10 kills on 33 attempts and a .121 hitting
percentage, the Terps finished the set with 15 kills on 38 attempts and a .263 hitting percentage. Maryland overcame three service errors to capture the set.
Freshman defensive specialist Addie Canady contributed a service ace that pushed Maryland ahead to 19–18. Once it was tied 21–21, Maryland scored four straight points to take the first set 25–21.
The second set was a back-and-forth battle with both teams trading leads and forcing multiple timeouts. The Terps held an early edge, but Wake Forest surged late, scoring three straight points at 23-22 to take their first lead since 3–2 and the set.
Maryland’s junior outside hitter Haley Melby and senior opposite hitter Ajack Malual stayed consistent with kills, while sophomore setter Rian Baker added a key point near the end to move Wake Forest’s lead to 23-22. Wake Forest’s senior outside hitter Paige Crawford and freshman right-side hitter Sadie Poeck combined for crucial kills down the stretch.
Maryland’s hitting percentage fell to .235 in the set, while Wake Forest hit .387. Maryland had 14 kills to Wake Forest’s 16 and two service aces compared to one for the Demon Deacons.
Maryland couldn’t close the gap in the third set, falling 25–22 to Wake Forest after a late kill by Olivia Fish. It fought back from down six points to tie it at 17, but Wake Forest pulled away in the final stretch.
The Terps finished with 10 kills and a .226 hitting percentage, while Wake Forest had 18 kills and hit .333. Both teams had three service aces, but Wake Forest made three more attack errors.
In the fourth set, Maryland stayed close early with a 6–4 lead behind kills from Malual and Haley Melby. The teams traded points throughout the set but Wake Forest pulled ahead with three straight points taking the lead to 19–23.
Maryland had 16 kills on 37 attempts in the set, compared to Wake Forest’s 18 kills on 33 attempts. Wake Forest closed out the match 25–22.
Three things to know
1. Standout performers. Malual and Melby led the Terps with a combined 30 kills. Crawford and Poeck led Wake Forest with a combined 27 kills, which ultimately took them to the 3–1 lead.
2. Special teams impact. Maryland and Wake Forest were evenly matched in most areas, but service played a key role in the fourth set. Both teams had zero service aces in the fourth, but Maryland’s service errors helped Wake Forest gain momentum.
3. Win streak lost. Maryland’s five-game winning streak ended with this loss. The Terps will shift their focus to Big Ten play, with just two non-conference games remaining this season.
