Central, SC – Southern Wesleyan fell in their home opener against the UVA Wise Cavaliers on Tuesday evening in a 20-2 final score.

The Warriors had eight shots with seven being on goal against the Cavaliers.  Fianna Steves led the team with three shots on goal.  Steves and Aleiza Manns each scored in the game.  Taylor Byrd and Lauryn Esposito assisted the goals.

Of the 15 ground balls, both Abbey Kovalcik and Lexi Richardson each had three.  They were followed by Mack Moreau and Caroline Lark with two ground balls.  The Warriors caused eight turnovers.  Caroline Lark started in goal for the Warriors and had four saves.  Both Hannon Graybeal and Kelsee McKay also played in goal for the Warriors.

Game Vitals

Final: UVA Wise 20, Southern Wesleyan 2

Records: Southern Wesleyan (0-3) UVA Wise (2-2)

How It Happened

The Cavaliers took the first goal of the game just over a minute into the game as Issie Brown put the ball into the cage.  They pushed on as Taylor Thompson and Mallory Trimble each scored.  The Warriors challenged right back as Fianna Steves and Aleiza Manns each won draw controls, but the Cavaliers thwarted each of the Warriors attacks.  Southern Wesleyan maintained the pressure as Lauryn Esposito passed the ball over to Manns.  Manns got the ball into the cage to put the Warriors on the board.

UVA Wise pushed further ahead as Issie Brown scored once again to give them a 9-1 goal lead.  The Warriors challenged as Fianna Steves took a shot on the goal, but Olivia Toomer saved the attack from paying off.  The Cavaliers pushed on with goals by Maddie Carr and Alexis Hillstorm.  With just over a minute on the clock, Taylor Byrd passed the ball over to Steves.  Steves sent the ball into the cage to allow the Warriors to trail the Cavaliers 13-2.

The Cavaliers came out strong in the third quarter with back-to-back goals by Logan Davis.  UVA Wise continued to attack the cage with shots by Mallory Trimble, but the Warriors defense stood strong to defend the cage. 

A foul in the eight meter allowed Taylor Byrd to take an early free position attempt for the Warriors.  Her shot was saved by Addie Donalson to keep the Warriors from cutting into the Cavaliers lead.  A shot by Mack Moreau was blocked.  UVA Wise pushed on as Kaylea Paterson and Alexis Hillsotrm each scored.  Lexi Richardson collected the ball and sent it to the cage, but once against Donalson saved the attack from paying off.  UVA Wise went on to win the game in a 20-2 final score.

What's Next

Southern Wesleyan will travel to Rome, GA on February 24 as they take on the Shorter Hawks.  They will then return home on February 26 to host University of Charleston.  The Warriors will remain at home on March 2 to host Tiffin.