A Defensive Masterclass
Sierra Sythe, a cornerstone of Wake Forest's back line, has captured the ACC Defensive Player of the Week honor for two straight weeks, underscoring her pivotal role in a defense that has yet to surrender a goal.
The Deacons have posted a perfect start, going 4‑0‑1 across five matches and recording four shutouts, a feat that makes them the sole ACC program to open with such a defensive record.
Sythe's impact extends beyond clean sheets; she contributed a decisive goal in the 1‑0 victory over Old Dominion and continues to rank among the program's all‑time leaders in minutes played and assists.
Supporting performances from teammates have added depth to the early success. Lola Ressler recorded the third‑fastest goal in school history during a 2‑0 win over Iowa, while Valentina Amaral helped preserve the lead in that same match.
The team's momentum carries into ACC competition, where they are slated to face powerhouses such as Stanford and Duke, testing whether their defensive foundation can withstand elite opposition.