HICKORY, N.C. - - A fast start and a strong close by Lenoir-Rhyne (5-7, 3-2 SAC) allowed the host Bears to claim a 16-9 South Atlantic Conference women's lacrosse win over UVA Wise (3-7, 0-4 SAC) at Moretz Stadium Saturday afternoon.

LR OPENS UP EARLY LEAD

An eight-goal first period staked the hosts Bears to a lead they would never relinquish. Lenoir-Rhyne would get nine shots on goal in the opening 15 minutes with eight finding the back of the net. The trio of Tess Grimley, Suzy Smith and Jolan Morey staked the hosts to a 3-0 lead while Kaitlyn Cavanaugh, Ellie Campbell and Alexa Burghardt also scored in the early scoring run.

Grace Golatt and Katie Allen provided a goal each for the Cavaliers to send the game to the second quarter at 8-2.

DEFENSIVE SECOND

Each school would score just one goal in the second quarter as the defensive effort from both sides picked up. UVA Wise goalie Jordan Edwards registered four saves in the quarter while LR goalie Teanna Sieben stopped seven shots.

Mallory Trimble scored off an Anna Claire Watt assist for the Cavs goal in the quarter while the Bears took a six-goal lead to intermission when Emilee Foxall scored unassisted at the 9:11 mark of the period.

THIRD QUARTER CAVS

Meghan Dennehy's squad dominated the third quarter and got back in the game by blanking LR 4-0 in the 15-minute stretch. During the period, UVA Wise forced eight LR turnovers and won 4-of-5 contested draw controls.

In terms of scoring, Allen scored three times while Golatt scored once as the visitors went to the fourth quarter trailing by just two at 9-7.

BEARS CLOSE STRONG

LR's Campbell and UVA Wise's Golatt traded goals to start the period before a 6-1 scoring spurt by the Bears closed the game.

Smith scored four of the six goals for LR in the stretch while Morey and Cavanaugh also scored to seal the victory.

BOX SCORE NOTES

Allen scored a season-high five goals while Golatt recorded her third hat trick in the last four games with a three-goal effort in defeat.

Ellie Earnshaw picked up two draw controls to eclipse 100 for her career, becoming the fifth player in program history to reach the mark.

Smith led all players with seven goals, Cavanaugh dished out a game-best four assists for the victors.

NEXT UP

UVA Wise will continue its four-game road trip with a trip to Mars Hill Tuesday.