MATTHEWS, N.C. — The 2023 UVA Wise lacrosse season came to a close today as the No. 9 nationally-ranked Wingate Bulldogs defeated the Cavaliers by a score of 20-3 in the South Atlantic Conference Semifinals at the Matthews Sportsplex.

The Bulldogs (16-2) wasted no time in the first quarter as Kaleigh Wilgeroth pushed in a goal at the 14:13 mark. Teammates Becca Ruiz and Leah Knowles set the lead at 3-0 before an Anna Claire Watt-to-Logen Davis connection put the Cavaliers (11-7) on the board.

From there, Wingate would use a hearty offensive stance to score 14 unanswered goals to take them into the third quarter. With 4:37 left to go in the frame, Grace Golatt drove to the net for another goal for the Cavaliers to put the score at 17-2. Bulldog Meghan Higgins would score in the final two minutes of the third to hold a 18-2 advantage.

To start the final period, Wingate's Leah Knowles would swipe a goal at the 14:07 mark. Three minutes later, Kaila Lacey would find a path to the goal with an assist from Issie Brown to give the Cavaliers their third goal of the contest. Wilgeroth would have the last goal of the day with 4:14 left to go to finalize the 20-3 finish.

Davis, Golatt, and Lacey would be the three Cavaliers to get a goal on the stat line. Bella Pellet led the way for the Bulldogs with four goals.

Abby Stoffelen led with two groundballs on the day while Paige Volpone put up two caused turnovers.

Olivia Toomer and Jordan Edwards put up three saves each while in goal for UVA Wise. Megan Biase and Riley Boone saved a combined four for the 'Dogs.

The Cavaliers finished the 2023 season going 11-7 overall and 6-4 in conference play.