CLEVELAND, TENN. -- The UVA Wise Cavalier Women's Lacrosse team (0-1, 0-0 SAC), voted fourth in the SAC-Preseason poll, opened up their season on Saturday in Cleveland, Tenn. against the Flames of Lee University (1-0, 0-0 GSC).
Eight different Cavaliers scored a goal in the matchup, headlined by a hat trick from senior Mallory Trimble and a two-goal game from sophomore Logen Davis.
Four Cavaliers had multi-point games, as both junior Abby Stoffelen and senior Taylor Willinghan had a goal and an assist apiece. The Cavaliers came up just short in a game that was back and forth throughout the afternoon, until the Flames pulled away late for the 17-11 victory.
The Cavaliers got off to a fast start behind two Trimble goals to take an early 2-1 advantage in the first quarter.
Stoffelen added an unassisted goal to give the visitors a 3-2 advantage. Sophomore Taylor Thompson scored her first goal of the season to knot the game at 4-4 midway through the first quarter.
The Flames scored four women-up goals in the first quarter to give Lee a 6-4 lead at the end of the quarter.
UVA Wise would storm back in the second, tying the match at 7-7 behind back-to-back goals from freshman Kaylea Paterson and junior Grace Golatt. The Flames finished the half on a 3-0 run to take a 10-7 halftime advantage.
The two teams traded goals in the third quarter. A goal from sophomore Issie Brown and two goals from Davis kept the Cavs within striking distance at the conclusion of the third quarter. However, the homestanding Flames pulled away in the fourth quarter for the victory.
Cavalier goalkeepers, senior Olivia Toomer and sophomore Addie Donalson combined to make 13 saves on the day. The Cavalier defense forced 23 turnovers and picked up 25 ground balls in the opener. Sophomore Jordan Knight picked up four ground balls in the defeat.
UVA Wise will return home and set their sights on the home opener Friday, Feb. 9 as they host the Valkyries of Converse University, under the lights of Carl Smith Stadium. First draw set for 6 p.m.
