HICKORY, N.C. – Women's lacrosse dropped its conference opener on the road to the Bears of Lenoir-Rhyne University Friday afternoon. Senior Ashley Wells posted a team-leading four goals in the loss.

Freshman Sydney Trask and Wells found the back of the net early for UVA Wise (2-3, 0-1 SAC), putting the Cavaliers up 2-0 with just over 23 minutes to play in the first half.

Over the course of 14 minutes, the Bears (3-2, 2-0 SAC) scored eight unanswered goals to take an 8-2 advantage with 6:35 to play in the opening frame.

Each team scored two more goals to end the half as Lenoir-Rhyne held on to a 10-4 lead going into the break.

UVA Wise opened the second half with two quick goals by freshman Kaila Lacey and sophomore Ellie Earnshaw as the Cavs trailed, 10-6 with 27:19 on the clock.

Lenoir-Rhyne continued to extend its lead, pushing its advantage to a double-digit margin, 20-10, with less than 11 minutes to play.

UVA Wise scored its final goal of the day on a shot by freshman Ashley Shannon, but a late goal by Lenoir-Rhyne secured the 22-11 victory for the Bears.

Lacey recorded two goals while Ellie Earnshaw and French each won five draw controls. Junior Riley Fenster led the Cavs with her three ground balls and three caused turnovers while also notching four draw controls.

Senior Elsa Girardo tallied eight saves for the Cavs as the goalie fell to 2-2 on the season.

The Bears outshot the Cavs 33-25 as UVA Wise totaled 10 saves to seven for Lenoir-Rhyne. The teams each won 17 draw controls while Lenoir-Rhyne picked up 20 ground balls to 12 for UVA Wise.

Head coach Meghan Dennehy's squad will take a break from conference play next week as the Cavs travel to Florida for two contests. Up first, UVA Wise will face Palm Beach Atlantic University Monday, March 9, at 5 p.m.