Wake Forest Ends Syracuse’s Season in 2026 ACC Women’s Tennis Championship
The Syracuse Orange saw their 2026 campaign reach to an abrupt end on Wednesday, April 15, following a loss to the No. 12 seed Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The match, held at the Cary Tennis Park in Cary, North Carolina, served as the second round of the 2026 ACC Women’s Tennis Championship.
A Battle of Contrasting Momentum
Entering the match, Syracuse (7-12, 3-9 ACC) held a psychological edge, having defeated Wake Forest (12-12, 4-8 ACC) 4-3 in a comeback thriller on March 27 in Winston-Salem. In that previous encounter, the Orange trailed 3-1 before securing three consecutive singles victories to claim the win. Though, the Demon Deacons were determined to avenge that regular-season loss and advance in the tournament bracket.
Despite the head-to-head victory for Syracuse earlier in the year, Wake Forest finished the regular season one match ahead of the Orange in the final ACC standings, earning the 12th seed compared to Syracuse’s 13th.
Key Match Dynamics and Standouts
The clash in Cary was a pivotal moment for both programs. For Wake Forest, the match featured standout talent like Nevena Carton, who entered the postseason ranked nationally in both singles and doubles. Carton and partner Kady Tannenbaum were previously noted for their ability to dismantle top-ranked doubles teams, including Syracuse’s, during their March meeting.
Syracuse relied on the experience of players like Serafima Shastova, Nelly Knezkova, Monika Wojcik, and Leena Bennetto, who had provided the grit necessary for the Orange’s previous success against the Demon Deacons. While Syracuse improved its conference record this year to 3-9—up from 2-10 the previous season—they were unable to replicate their March success in the postseason environment.
Tournament Outlook and Implications
With the victory, Wake Forest advanced to the third round to face the No. 5 seed Miami Hurricanes, who entered the round after receiving a bye. For Syracuse, the loss marked the conclusion of a season characterized by flashes of brilliance and a steady climb in conference competitiveness.
Key Takeaways: 2026 ACC Championship Match
- Result: Wake Forest defeated Syracuse, eliminating the Orange from the tournament.
- Venue: Cary Tennis Park, Cary, North Carolina.
- Syracuse’s Season: Improved conference record (3-9) compared to the previous year (2-10).
- Wake Forest’s Path: Advanced to face No. 5 Miami in the third round.
- Regular Season Context: Syracuse had previously beaten Wake Forest 4-3 on March 27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the regular season ACC title?
Virginia clinched its first-ever outright regular season title and earned the top seed for the 2026 championship.
Where is the 2026 ACC Women’s Tennis Championship being held?
The tournament is taking place at the Cary Tennis Park in Cary, North Carolina.
What was Syracuse’s seed in the tournament?
Syracuse entered the tournament as the No. 13 seed.
Worth a look