WILLIAMSBURG, Ky.— On the night of its 2021-22 season opener, the Montreat women's basketball team fell on the road at the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) Patriots, 96-67. The defeat dropped the Cavaliers to 0-1 overall.
 
Both teams started the game off with good shooting performances. The Cavaliers hit six of their first 10 shots from the field, while Cumberlands nailed four of its opening eight shots from behind the arc. That early 3-point shooting coupled with some Montreat fouls saw the Patriots jump out to a 25-16 lead after one quarter of play.
 
Cumberlands quickly built its lead out to double figures early in the second quarter, scoring 18 points in the frame's opening 4:34. The Cavs cut the deficit to single digits once early in the period, but the Patriots led at the half, as they would the remainder of the night, 52-37.
 
Montreat shot 13-of-36 (44 percent) from the field in the first half, including 3-of-10 from 3-point range. Cumberlands shot slightly better overall at 46 percent, including 5-of-15 from behind the arc. Caleigh Raby led the Cavaliers with 14 points (6-9 FG) and three assists in the opening 20 minutes. Vaniyah Petty added 10 points as well.
 
Neither team found its shooting stroke in the third quarter, but the Cavs did have a decided advantage at the free throw line, making six of seven attempts while avoiding putting the Patriots at the charity stripe altogether. In the Cavaliers' best defensive quarter of the evening, both teams scored 18 points and entered the final 10 minutes at 70-55.
 
The Patriots saved their best for last, putting together its most complete quarter of the game to close out Montreat. Holding the Cavaliers to 29-percent shooting while utilizing a 26-12 final frame advantage, the hosts expanded their lead down the stretch and finished off the visitors, 96-67.
 
The Cavaliers shot 26-for-68 (38.2 percent) from the field and went 6-for-25 from deep, while Cumberlands took 12 more shots than Montreat over the course of four quarters, shooting 45 percent overall. The Patriots also hit 9 of 25 3-point attempts taken. The hosts also held an advantage at the free throw line, going 15-for-21 compared to Montreat's 9-for-14. Points off turnovers played a decisive role in the contest, leaning 32-8 in Cumberlands' favor.
 
Raby led all players in the contest with 21 points and five assists. Mariya Williams and Petty also added double-digit scoring efforts with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Jessyka Leak added four assists, while four Cavaliers—Petty, Williams, Destiny Lewis and Daisy Rice—each totaled five rebounds.
 
Montreat women's basketball returns to action next Wednesday for its home opener against Carolina University. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m. in McAlister Gym.