Syracuse University
13-12,5-10ACC
Wake Forest
12-14,6-9ACC
Orange Suffer Four-Set Defeat to Wake Forest
11/14/2025 9:15:00 PM | Volleyball
The Syracuse University volleyball team (13-12, 5-10 ACC) dropped a four-set decision to Wake Forest on Friday evening at the Women's Building. Despite Syracuse's most efficient offensive showing of ACC-play, the Demon Deacons took the match 3-1 (21-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-20).
Gabby McLaughlin paced the Orange offense with a match-high 21 kills while adding nine digs. Tehya Maeva orchestrated the attack with 45 assists and contributed 11 digs. Syracuse posted a .288 hitting percentage, its highest mark in an ACC match this season and the team's best performance since hitting .455 against Siena on September 19.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Syracuse opened strong in the first set, building momentum behind McLaughlin's attacking and solid play from Zharia Harris-Waddy. The Orange hit .441 in the opening frame and closed out a 25-21 victory. Sydnie Waller delivered the clinching kill to give Syracuse the early advantage.
Wake Forest responded in the second set, using a balanced attack and strong serving to turn the tables. McLaughlin wouldn't let the Orange go out quietly, though, recording seven kills and one block in the frame. Yet, the Demon Deacons hit .517 and controlled play throughout, evening the match with a 25-19 win despite Syracuse's efforts to stay close.
The third set was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams going on a number of runs. Wake Forest opened on a 6-0 run, putting the Orange in a hole early. Syracuse battled back, eventually pulling even at 22 points apiece. However, the Demon Deacons closed on a 4-2 run to take the set 26-24 and grab a 2-1 match lead.
Wake Forest maintained control in the fourth set, building a lead that Syracuse couldn't overcome. The Orange made a late push, cutting the deficit to 23-20, but Wake Forest finished strong to clinch the match 25-20.
NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS
- Gabby McLaughlin led all players with 21 kills, marking her fifth match during ACC play with 20 or more kills.
- Despite Wake Forest's size advantage, Syracuse's .288 hitting percentage was its highest in an ACC match this season.
- Syracuse posted 12 total blocks compared to Wake Forest's seven.
- Tehya Maeva dished out 45 assists while adding 11 digs.
- Zharia Harris-Waddy contributed eight kills on a .429 hitting percentage with eight total blocks -- the first time a Syracuse player has reached eight blocks or more since Soana Lea'ea posted 10 against Boston College (10/22)
- Sydnie Waller added eight kills on .412 hitting with four total blocks.
- Soana Lea'ea recorded six kills without an error on 14 attacks for a .429 hitting percentage.
- Skylar George finished with eight kills, seven digs, and one service ace.
- Rana Yamada tallied 10 digs in the match.
- Wake Forest's Ryleigh Whitekettle led the Demon Deacons with 17 kills.
UP NEXT
The Orange will look to regroup ahead of their Sunday matchup with the NC State Wolfpack. The match is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. and air on ACC Network Extra. Following the match, the program will honor its graduating class with a Senior Day ceremony.
For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
