ASHEVILLE, N.C.— The Montreat women's basketball team opened its Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) schedule with a massive victory over the Columbia International University Rams. The Cavaliers (2-1, 1-0 AAC) handed the Rams their third loss of their campaign in as many games by a score of 87-56.
The first quarter of the matchup was very tight at the beginning. Tied at 10 apiece,
Virginia Edmondson tallied five steals in the initial quarter of play. Montreat went on a 15-0 run within the final two minutes of the frame. During the first eight points of the run, the Rams (0-3, 0-1 AAC) were able to get the ball past half court just once, and it was a long pass that was stolen by
Carolina Robinson. The run forced a timeout from the visitors, and the game was out of reach for CIU from then on.
The momentum carried into the second quarter as by the end of the half, Montreat scored another 25 points. At the break leading by 27 (50-23), the Cavs didn't look back. Continuing to layer on the pressure and strong defense, Montreat led by as many as 36. The second half saw many of the bench players from both teams getting a chance to show their stuff.
Rymiah Sanders totaled 21 points on the night leading the way for Montreat. Edmondson had 15 of her own followed closely by
Adrianna Gullette with 10. Robinson corralled 13 total rebounds and eight points, both career highs for the freshman.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot 42.3 percent (33-78 FG) from the floor. They totaled 52 points in the paint and 33 points from the fast break. Montreat also scored 31 points off turnovers and dished out 22 assists on the night.
"This was a great way to open up conference play," said head coach
Jamie Moore. "I am super proud of our group for coming out and setting the pace with our defense. Our bench showed up big today to make a big team win."
For the Cavs, they look to continue their winning ways as they will host the Kentucky Christian University Knights on Saturday, Nov. 16. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m. inside Kimmel Arena.
