PIKEVILLE, Ky.— Montreat College's women's soccer team trekked north to play the University of Pikeville Bears in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) match Wednesday afternoon. The Cavaliers lost after 90 minutes by a final score of 4-0. With the defeat, Montreat fell to a 6-8-1 record overall and 5-6-1 record in the AAC. UPIKE moved to 9-3-3 in all competitions and 7-3-2 in the conference.
 
The first half began with Montreat's Anna Weissenfluh making a save early, quickly demonstrating her defensive capabilities in the second minute of the game. The Cavs had a promising opportunity with a corner kick taken by Leigh Harpel in the 15^th minute, but they were unable to capitalize. Despite several defensive efforts, the visitors fell behind after Pikeville scored the first goal of the match in the 17^th minute. The event remained that way through the intermission. UPIKE went into halftime with six total shots, three of them on frame. Montreat had just one shot attempt in the half.
 
Pikeville capitalized early in the second half, scoring a goal in the 54^th minute to extend its lead. Weissenfluh made several key saves to keep the Cavaliers in the match, but the team struggled to break through offensively. Shot attempts from Sam Aalbue and Rebeca Cruz Manon were not enough to get on the scoresheet. The Bears added another goal in the 65^th minute to lead 3-0. The Cavs attempted to come back with multiple efforts, including a corner kick and a header by Aalbue that went high. UPIKE continued to attack and broke through with its fourth and final goal in the 79^th minute of the match. Rozsa Williford ripped a shot attempt high, but Montreat was held scoreless after the final whistle in its 4-0 loss.
 
Weissenfluh recorded five saves during the match, facing nine shots on goal. Aalbue led the team in shots, attempting three throughout the game. Williford contributed with one shot, adding to the team's offensive efforts. Cruz Manon also managed one shot during her time on the field.
 
As a team, Pikeville took 15 shots to Montreat's five. The Bears had nine shots on goal. The hosts ended with four corner kicks awarded to them, and the Cavaliers earned three. The Cavs were called on for 10 fouls, being whistled twice more than UPIKE.

"Credit to Pikeville," said head coach Kristin Eggert. "They finished their opportunities and made the most of them."
 
Up next, the Montreat College Cavaliers return home for their senior day on Saturday, Oct. 25. They will host the Johnson University Royals in their final AAC match of the regular season, which is set to begin at 1 p.m.