The Deacons delivered a commanding performance at Spry Stadium, defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 2-0 and pushing their unbeaten home streak to 19 games. The victory not only reinforced Wake Forest's dominance on their own turf but also highlighted the team's resilience as they continue to build momentum throughout the season.
Junior midfielder Lola Ressler was the offensive engine, finding the back of the net twice to record a brace that placed her among the program's fastest goals ever. Her second career brace underscored her growing influence and added a historic note to the match, as her second goal ranked third fastest in Wake Forest history.
A Night of Dominance at Spry Stadium
The goals were set up by precise contributions from teammates, with sophomore forward Kylie Maxwell and senior midfielder Dempsey Brown each delivering assists that showcased the squad's depth and unselfish play. Their efforts created the opportunities that allowed Ressler to shine, while also marking milestones for other players in the lineup.
Between the goals, redshirt‑junior goalkeeper Valentina Amaral preserved the clean sheet, marking her third consecutive shutout and facing eight shots on goal. Her performance added to a historic season in which she posted the best goals‑against average in program history at 0.69, further cementing her reputation as a reliable last line of defense.
The win was part of the 'We are Wake' Mental Health Awareness Match, a community initiative that blended competition with a cause, reinforcing the team's commitment to broader social issues. It also marked the first victory over Iowa since 2000, ending a three‑meeting winless streak and adding another chapter to the Deacons' growing legacy.
Beyond the scoreboard, the match highlighted the team's depth, as sophomore defender Tahlia Zadeyan and senior defender Sammi Wiemann earned their 10th career starts, while senior midfielder Dempsey Brown celebrated her 50th career start. Freshman defender BraqElle Raisey also made her first career appearance, signaling a promising infusion of talent as the season progresses.