WISE – The lacrosse team continued their strong start to the season as they rode over the Converse Valkyries 16-3 Friday afternoon. They scored seven consecutive goals over the first and part of the second quarters to start the game and never looked back in the 16-3 win.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 16, Converse 3
Records: UVA Wise 3-0, Converse 1-1
Location: Wise, VA | Carl Smith Stadium

HOW IT HAPPENED
- UVA Wise started strong with Caitlyn Schultz scoring the first goal at 14:37, assisted by Noley Hiller. The home team capitalized on a man-up opportunity as Chloe Huston netted a goal at 12:07, with an assist from Logen Davis. Schultz added another goal at 10:55, and Kaylea Paterson scored twice to extend the lead, including a free position goal at 4:15. Abby Schrafft concluded the quarter with a man-up goal at 00:22, giving the Highland Cavaliers a commanding 6-0 advantage over the Valkyries at the end of the first quarter.
- The Cavs expanded their lead in the second quarter, starting with Noley Hiller scoring at 14:31. Huston played a pivotal role in maintaining possession with multiple draw controls, allowing the Highland Cavaliers to build momentum. Hiller added another goal at 11:43, followed by Davis scoring twice, including a man-down goal at 4:48, assisted by Taylor Thompson. Olivia Guy closed out the quarter's scoring with a goal at 2:38, bringing UVA Wise's total to five goals in the quarter, while the Valkyries managed one goal by Becky Reinhard at 12:52. The half concluded with the Cavs leading 11-1.
- UVA Wise secured a strong lead in the third quarter, beginning with Schultz scoring her 10th goal of the season at 9:14. Schultz continued her momentum by netting her 11th goal with an assist from Davis at 4:27, extending their advantage. Despite a goal from Converse's Hailey Obenchain at 1:14, the quarter ended with UVA Wise maintaining a commanding position. Converse managed to score twice, but the Cavs' effective control and defensive efforts, highlighted by Huston's draw controls and Paige Rodgers' ground ball recovery, kept the home team in control.
- The Cavaliers closed out the game by extending their lead with three unanswered goals in the final quarter. Davis initiated the scoring at 14:29, marking her eighth goal of the season. Taylor Thompson followed with a goal at 9:04, her first of the season, capitalizing on effective ball movement. Samantha Sobolewski then scored at 5:20, assisted by Parker Cribbs. Despite Converse's efforts, including a shot by Hailey Obenchain saved by Addie Donalson, the Highland Cavaliers maintained their defensive stand, concluding the game with a 16-3 win.

GETTING WISE
- Caitlyn Schultz scored four goals from seven shots, six of which were on goal.
- Kaylea Paterson and Noley Hiller netted two goals apiece.
- Logen Davis had another solid outing as she had three goals, three ground balls, and two assists. She passed the 150 career points mark in the game, finishing with 153. That ranks her seventh all-time, three behind her former teammate Abby Stoffelen. Davis also now has 75 career assists and ranks third in program history in that category.
- Chloe Huston had a great all-around game as the sophomore had a goal, five ground balls, caused four turnovers, and won six draws.
- Issie Brown was grabbing draw controls and ground balls like they were bush tucker as the Aussie won four draws and picked up three ground balls.
- Addie Donalson went the distance in cage as she had five saves and allowed three goals while facing 14 shots.
- As a team, the Cavs outshot the Valkyries 30-14, with a 24-8 advantage in shots on goal. They also won 14 draws to seven by Converse.

UP NEXT
The Cavs will hit the road for the first time this season as they travel to Cleveland, Tennessee, to face Lee next Friday. Lee is currently 1-1 on the season, with the loss being a 12-10 setback to Converse in the season opener. They will face Wingate on Valentine's Day and North Greenville on Tuesday before hosting UVA Wise.