[ACC] Wake Forest is one win away from defending its ACC title after moving into Sunday’s championship game with a 2-1 win over top-seed Duke. Florida State wonthe other semifinal with a 2-1 victory of its own over Virginia.
Kim Marshall opened the scoring for the Demon Deacons in the 27th minute on aheader off a corner kick by Rachel Nuzzolese that Riley Ridgik nodded on. Nuzzolese extended the lead to 2-0 in the 51stminute after being set up by Jackie Logue and Jackie McSally.
Nuzzolese has had a hand in all five ofWake Forest’s goals in the tournament, scoring two and assisting on the other three.
“Right now [Rachel] is just hitting her stride and her confidence is building everygame,” said Wake coach Tony da Luz. “She gives us chances in the run of play, and her dead balls off of corners and set pieces are super dangerous.It’s a great time for her to come to life, that’s for sure.”
Kim DeCesare pulled a goal back for Duke in the 67th minute,but Wake goalie Aubrey Bledsoe shut down the Blue Devils the rest of the way.
Sixth seed Florida State beat Virginia for the first time in 21 gamesto reach the final.
The Seminoles rallied from a 1-0 deficit at the half to win on goals by Tiffany McCarty — her 15th of the season — and