Mary Carter leads the way with 14 points as 11 Demon Deacons score in a balanced performance, highlighted by a dominant second half at LJVM Coliseum.
Wake Forest women's basketball found another gear after halftime, turning a competitive first half into a convincing 85-53 victory over Presbyterian on Thursday night at LJVM Coliseum.
The Demon Deacons (2-0) used a balanced offensive attack and relentless defensive pressure to pull away from the Blue Hose (0-2), outscoring them by 32 points in the final margin. Eleven Wake Forest players found the scoring column, with five recording their first points as Demon Deacons.
Mary Carter led all scorers with 14 points, adding three blocks and three steals. The forward continued to make her presence felt on both ends of the floor, matching her career high in steals.
Breauna Ware joined Carter in double figures, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting while collecting three steals of her own.
The win gave Wake Forest another strong showing in the early stages of the 2026-27 season, with contributions coming from veterans, newcomers and players making their first appearances in a Demon Deacon uniform.
Carter Leads a Balanced Wake Forest Attack
Wake Forest's scoring depth was one of the night's biggest takeaways. Rather than relying on one player to carry the offense, the Deacs found production throughout the lineup.
Freshman Oshauna Holland came close to recording a double-double, finishing with eight points and a game-high nine rebounds in just over 20 minutes. Her work on the offensive glass helped Wake Forest create additional scoring opportunities.
Aurora Sørbye contributed nine points, two assists and two rebounds, while redshirt sophomore Mckenzie Swanson grabbed a career-high seven rebounds.
Grace Galbavy also provided a lift off the bench, scoring five points during the first quarter and helping Wake Forest maintain its early momentum.
The Demon Deacons finished the game shooting 51.7% from the field, making 31 of 60 attempts. They also connected on 40% of their three-point attempts and distributed the ball for 18 assists.
Second-Half Surge Puts Presbyterian Away
The Blue Hose stayed within reach during the opening half, but Wake Forest gradually took control before delivering its most impressive stretch after the break.
The Deacs opened the game with an early 9-2 advantage, fueled by a corner three from Sørbye and a strong finish from Holland. Presbyterian responded, but Wake Forest continued to create opportunities through its defensive pressure.
The first quarter ended with Wake Forest ahead 22-18 after Holland knocked down two free throws. The Deacs forced nine turnovers in the opening period, setting the tone for the defensive effort that would continue throughout the night.
Wake Forest carried a 38-28 lead into halftime, shooting 53.8% from the floor and scoring 16 points off Presbyterian turnovers. Holland already had eight points and seven rebounds at the break.
The third quarter changed the complexion of the game.
Carter and Ware helped stretch the lead early, while Carter completed a traditional three-point play and Opal Bird added a three-pointer. Wake Forest then put together a 10-0 run, taking a 52-33 advantage as the Blue Hose struggled to slow the offense.
The Deacs kept attacking, eventually building another 17-2 scoring surge. Freshman Adora Nwude recorded her first career points during the third quarter, and Wake Forest entered the fourth with a commanding 67-41 lead.
The team shot 11-of-15 from the field in the third quarter, an impressive 73.3% shooting performance.
With the outcome increasingly out of reach, Wake Forest continued to spread the scoring around in the final period and closed out the 85-53 victory.
New Faces Make Their Mark
Thursday's win also provided an opportunity for several players to make memorable first appearances and reach important milestones.
Redshirt junior Ramiyah Byrd made her first appearance as a Demon Deacon and finished with seven points and five rebounds. She also recorded her first points in a Wake Forest uniform during the second quarter.
Freshman Helena Danielewicz knocked down her first career basket with a three-pointer from the right wing in the second quarter.
Nwude added her first career points with a three-pointer from the right corner in the third quarter, while Swanson recorded her first collegiate points on a putback before adding a free throw.
Freshman Alexis Cashdollar made her first appearance with 6:05 remaining in the game. She immediately contributed a rebound before connecting on her first career three-pointer with 3:52 left.
Those moments helped make the victory about more than the final score. Wake Forest received meaningful contributions across its roster while giving its newcomers opportunities to settle into their roles.
Defense and Rebounding Fuel the Difference
Wake Forest's offensive efficiency was impressive, but its defensive pressure helped create the separation.
The Deacs forced 23 turnovers and collected 16 steals, disrupting Presbyterian's rhythm and turning defensive stops into scoring opportunities.
Wake Forest also finished with 13 offensive rebounds, including five from Holland. Those extra possessions helped the Deacs maintain pressure and generate second-chance opportunities.
The combination of defensive activity, rebounding and efficient shooting gave Wake Forest control as the game progressed.
The 85 points marked the program's highest scoring total since its 93-point performance against Morgan State on Nov. 26, 2025.
What This Win Really Means
Wake Forest's 32-point victory showed the value of having multiple players capable of contributing offensively.
Eleven players scored, the team recorded 18 assists and the Deacs shot better than 50% from the field. That kind of balance gives the coaching staff several options and makes the offense less dependent on a single player.
The second-half performance was especially encouraging. After leading by 10 at halftime, Wake Forest increased its intensity and converted that momentum into a decisive third-quarter run.
The defensive numbers are just as important. Forcing 23 turnovers and collecting 16 steals helped the Deacs control the pace while creating opportunities on the other end.
There is still room for growth, as head coach Megan Gebbia acknowledged, but Wake Forest is showing early signs of a team capable of getting contributions throughout its rotation.
Gebbia Praises Team Effort and Ball Movement
After the victory, Gebbia pointed to the team's unselfish play, defensive effort and work on the boards as important pieces of the performance.
"Tonight was a fun win. We did a great job of sharing the ball, finishing with 18 assists, as well as giving effort on the defensive end and rebounding," Gebbia said.
She also highlighted the team's offensive rebounding and the number of players who contributed, while recognizing that there are still areas the Deacs can improve.
Next Up: Mercer Comes to LJVM Coliseum
Wake Forest will close out its opening week of the season Sunday, Nov. 8, with a matchup against Mercer at LJVM Coliseum.
Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., with the game available on ACC Network Extra.
After opening the season with back-to-back victories, the Demon Deacons will look to carry their balanced scoring and defensive intensity into their next home test.
Source: Wake Forest Athletics.
