ASHEVILLE, N.C.— Montreat's women's basketball team played host to the Reinhardt University Eagles in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) contest tonight. After going 3-1 in their last four games, the Cavs (12-5, 9-3 AAC) continued their winning ways against a strong Eagles squad via a 75-61 scoreline.
 
To start this one, the Reinhardt University Eagles (13-5, 9-3 AAC) jumped out to a 19-7 lead after the first quarter. Rymiah Sanders and Virginia Edmondson were the only two Cavs to score in the quarter with five and two points, respectively.
 
The second frame, however, was all Montreat. After Sanders tallied a quick five points, the Cavs followed her lead as part of an astounding 21-0 run. Reinhardt scored its first points in the quarter with under three minutes remaining. In the frame alone, Sanders had 10 points and Grace Rinaldo corralled six rebounds. Katie Alexander also tallied three assists. The hosts ultimately entered halftime with a 30-24 lead.
 
After the intermission, Reinhardt came out with some fire and scored one more point in the than Montreat in the third quarter. But, the Cavs came out on top, shutting down the Eagles' attack. Edmondson scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone after going 3-for-3 from 3-point range. The hot shooting was too much for Reinhardt, and Montreat cruised to a comfortable 14-point win, 75-61.
 
It was the Edmondson and Sanders show in Asheville as the deadly duo combined for 52 points on the night. They weren't the only Cavs with double-digit stats. Rinaldo, a sophomore, had a career night with her first ever double-double. Her 11 points and 12 rebounds against the Eagles marked a career-high in boards. Rinaldo wasn't the only one with a career night as Alexander recorded a career-high 14 assists.
 
Montreat's team play is what helped make the difference. Montreat had more assists (24-10), steals (13-6), second chance points (16-7), fast break points (23-14) and points in the paint (40-26) than the Eagles. With the win, the Cavs put only the third loss in the L column for the Eagles in AAC competitions.
 
"This team is so tough, and tonight they showed it," said head coach Jamie Moore. "We had some players step up with double-doubles, another with 25 points, another with 14 assists, and several others who chipped in. What I believe set our team apart from Reinhardt was our chemistry. Our players pulled together and played for each other tonight, and for that, I am extremely proud."
 
The Cavs are back in action on Jan. 22 when they travel to the University of Pikeville for another AAC competition against the Bears. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.