Deacons Set to Face Fighting Camels

After a 73-52 loss to Virginia Tech in last weekend's conference opener, one could forgive the Lady Deacs for welcoming some immediate down time to enjoy the holidays. The Deacons (5-6) have had a rough learning curve as they get used to a new coaching staff and a new system. However, that learning curve grows sharper with the advent of conference play and a visit by North Carolina State looming on January 6.

That leaves the Lady Deacs two opportunities to put some final polish on this newly made-over team. First up are the Campbell Lady Camels, who visit LJVM on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The Lady Camels are 9-2 with losses to Appalachian State and East Carolina, and are led by senior Tonisha Baker's 15 points per game. Campbell has won 5 straight games and look to extend that streak against the Demon Deacons.

"The key for us against Campbell is to really kind of set the tone with our defense," said first-year coach Jen Hoover. "I think we've got to dominate the boards both offensively and defensively, and stay in the attack mode. We want to create some of our offense from our defense whenever possible and just get back to playing Wake Forest basketball."

The Deacons are led by senior Lakevia Boykin and junior Chelsea Douglas with 15 and 12 points per game, respectively. Boykin became the second Demon Deacon to join the 1,000 point club with a bucket against the Hokies last weekend. She joins fellow senior Sandra Garcia, who broke the 1,000 barrier during the game at Illinois.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Parking, as always, is FREE.