WISE – UVA Wise picked up its first win of the 2020 campaign Saturday as the Cavaliers defeated North Greenville University, 16-11, at Carl Smith Stadium. The Cavs never trailed in the contest with seven players finding the back of the net as sophomores Caroline Earnshaw and Katie Allen led the way with four goals apiece.

UVA Wise (1-0) came out hot as Earnshaw grabbed the first draw control of the season en route to a goal by Allen less than 15 seconds into the contest. The Cavs scored four unanswered goals before North Greenville's Rachel Kellog scored the first of her six goals with less than 16 minutes on the clock.

The Crusaders (0-3) trailed by just two before freshman attacker Sydney Trask recorded her first career goal on a free position shot to put UVA Wise ahead, 5-2, with 14:13 to play in the first half.

While  UVA Wise did not trail in the game, North Greenville managed to cut the Cavs lead to just one goal several times through the rest of the half, with Earnshaw's second goal of the game at the 3:29 mark extending UVA Wise's lead to 8-6 heading into the half.

The Crusaders tacked on another goal early to open the second half, but UVA Wise responded with a 7-0 spurt to gain a 15-7 advantage with 19:28 left in the game. North Greenville attempted a late rally, but UVA Wise stayed in control to pull away with a 16-11 victory.

Senior Jesse French registered a game-high three assists and totaled five points. French, sophomore Ellie Earnshaw, and Trask each recorded two goals while senior Ashley Wells also found the back of the cage once for the Cavs. Freshman Kaila Lacey netted her first career goal and posted her first career assist while junior Samantha Hill also tallied an assist in the win.

Sophomore Kameryn Darrington led the team with six ground balls while junior Erin Smith finished with a game-high four caused turnovers. Senior Elsa Girardo and freshman Jordan Edwards split time in the net as Girardo totaled four saves and Edwards collected seven saves in her debut.

UVA Wise picked up 28 ground balls to 17 for North Greenville while the Crusaders edged the Cavs in the draw control battle, 16-13. The Cavs outshot North Greenville 33-29 while UVA Wise notched 19 caused turnovers to just nine for the Crusaders.

Head coach Meghan Dennehy's squad will return to action next Friday for the first of seven straight road games. The Cavs will face the University of Charleston Friday, Feb. 21 for a 6:30 p.m. draw.