WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. –The University of North Florida volleyball team dropped a hard fought 3-0 (13-25, 20-25, 17-25) decision to Wake Forest Sunday in final day action at the Deacon Invitational.

The Ospreys (2-4) got a balanced attack offensively led by five kills each from Dagnija Medina, Cameron McGuire and Marija Pantovic. Freshman setter Casey Giovanazzi handed out 22 assists in running the UNF offense.

Nicole Baran, an all-tournament selection, again anchored the UNF back row finishing with a team best eight digs. Medina (four blocks) and McGuire (three) led the team's frontline defense.

“We did some things well and everybody contributed, but didn't play our best overall match,” said UNF head coach Kevin Campbell. “We tried a different line-up and substitution pattern and I was pleased with how that worked. We were able to play some size at the net and use our hitters in different spots, which will be beneficial to us moving forward this season. We are continuing to improve on the floor and I like where we are headed. We are excited to get to play at home for the first time this coming weekend.”

UNF unveiled a new lineup in the opening set with the two teams trading points early in the match before Wake used a 9-3 run to grab an early lead. After several rotations, the Demon Deacons seized control behind nine straight points and won the first set, 25-13.

The second set was a back-and-forth battle highlighted by eight ties and neither team holding more than a three point advantage until the final score. Back-to-back blocks by McGuire and Medina allowed the Ospreys to earn their first lead of the match. Wake scored four of the final five points in a strong closing spurt to take a 2-0 lead.

North Florida's revamped lineup started clicking early in set three as the Ospreys raced to a 5-1 lead. UNF maintained a slight edge for several rotations, but Wake eventually chipped away at the deficit to earn a tie at 12-12. The two squads would trade points until the Deacons were able to ease in front on the strength of aggressive serves.

Wake Forest (2-2) got a match best nine kills from Carlin Salmon and 16 digs by Kadija Fornah

After opening the year with six consecutive road contests, the Ospreys will next open their home schedule with the Best Western Invitational on Sept. 9-10 in UNF Arena. UNF opens tournament play against South Carolina State, Friday at 7 p.m.