Box Score WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Jesuit women's basketball program scored their third win in a row, and their first conference victory of the year on Sunday with a strong 66-56 victory over the University of Virginia-Wise.
 
The Cardinals improve their record to 4-5 on the season, and now sit 9^th in the Mountain East Conference at 1-4 ahead of Shepherd and West Virginia Wesleyan.
 
"Its always tough, the first game after the break. I'm just really happy with the win," said WJU head coach Deb Buff. "The girls worked hard this week since they've been back. To hold a team that was 6-2 coming in to 56 points, I thought our defense was great."
 
WJU rode the momentum of a strong first half, jumping out to a 13-2 lead in the opening minutes. Breanna Butler led the way for the Cardinals going 5-8 from the field and 4-7 from behind the arc for 14 points before the break.
 
The Cardinals took a 31-25 lead into the half. 12 of UV-Wise's points came from powerful 6'4" freshman Makenzie Hensley, who was proving hard to stop. In the second half, WJU's defensive effort held Hensly to only two points.
 
Also having a strong debut for the Cardinals was WJU volleyball standout Madison Strall who has transitioned to the basketball court following the volleyball team's final four season, showing her athleticism grabbing five rebounds in just six first half minutes.
 
"We're really excited to have Maddie here," added coach Buff. "She adds a lot of energy. She hasn't played in a few years, but she is going to get better with time. She gives us some length in our 1-3-1 defense, and plays up top very well. She's going to make our team more competitive."
 
Other leaders for the Cardinals included Jaila Bryant who put in 15 points, and defensive menace Tankea Lewis who had three steals and 14 points on the night.
 
WJU takes to the court again on Monday when they face MEC conference foe Concord at the Alma Grace McDonough Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 4pm.