WHEELING, W.Va. - - In a battle of undefeated women's lacrosse teams in the Mountain East Conference, it was the visiting Cavaliers from UVa-Wise that came out on top with a 19-11 win over Wheeling Jesuit Friday afternoon.

UVa-Wise (6-5, 4-0 MEC) scored the opening three goals of the game and led wire-to-wire as junior Jesse French posted a season-high eight points. The Dumfries, Va. product scored four goals and dished out for assists as the Cavs handed the Cardinals (7-4, 3-1) their first league loss of 2019.

French and fellow junior Ashley Wells were joined by senior McKayla Grasham as UVa-Wise players with four goals. Senior Kristin Gobbi also recorded a hat trick as she found the back of the net three times to aid the Cavs to their 12th consecutive victory over a league foe.

UVa-Wise finished with 31 shots on goal, seven more than Wheeling Jesuit, while goalie Elsa Girardo recorded 13 saves to anchor the defense. The junior was most impressive when it came to defending free position shots. The Cardinals converted just 2-of-9 free position shots in defeat.

Sydney Steinberg handed out three assists en route to four points in the win and French, Gobbi, Wells and Ellie Earnshaw all had a team-high three groundballs. Charlotte Hess caused three turnovers to spur a Cavs' defense that tailed 13 caused turnovers in the game.

Mackenzie Kaderabek led Wheeling Jesuit with four goals but, 26 turnovers and the overall play of the UVa-Wise defense proved to be too much to overcome.

The Cavs converted 18-of-24 clear attempts while holding the Cardinals to 10-of-20 clear attempts.

UVa-Wise assistant Courtney Hamm served as the team's head coach during the game. Head Coach Meghan Dennehy was away for the birth of her child.

Next up, UVa-Wise will visit Notre Dame College Sunday. First draw is set for 1 p.m. in South Euclid, Ohio.