BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— Montreat College's women's soccer team hosted the Milligan University Buffaloes at Pulliam Stadium Wednesday evening for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) match. The Cavaliers outlasted the Buffaloes after the 90-minute affair by a score of 1-0.
 
With the win, Montreat moved to 5-5-1 on the year and 4-3-1 in the AAC. Meanwhile, the Buffs dropped to 6-3-2 (5-2-1 AAC). The Cavs kept their winning streak alive against the Buffaloes, winning their sixth consecutive contest against Milligan, as well as their fifth straight by exactly one goal.
 
The first half started with a strong defensive showing by the Cavaliers. The Cavs' defense held firm despite sustained pressure from the Buffaloes, keeping the visitors at bay. On the offensive end, Montreat had opportunities with shots from Rozsa Williford and Sam Aalbue, both of which were saved or blocked by the Buffs' defense. The half ended with both teams unable to break the deadlock, entering the intermission tied at 0-0.
 
Both teams came out of halftime striving to open the scoresheet. Anna Weissenfluh made an early save from a Buffalo shot, maintaining the scoreline. Milligan posed a persistent threat, hitting the post and crossbar in quick succession, but the Cavs' defense stayed strong.
 
Montreat increased its offensive pressure midway through the half, with shots from Williford and Maggie Hypes being denied by Milligan's goalkeeper. The tension rose as Leigh Harpel hit the post as well, narrowly missing an opportunity to take the lead. The visitors hit the frame another time in the period, further intensifying the match.
 
In the closing stages, the Cavaliers broke through in the 84^th minute when Rebeca Cruz Manon scored with a sliding toe poke past the goalkeeper. Her effort was assisted by Harpel, securing her sixth goal of the season. Montreat held on to its advantage, concluding the game with a 1-0 victory over the Buffaloes.
 
Weissenfluh recorded eight saves between the sticks, maintaining the Cavs' third clean sheet in a row. Cruz Manon scored the game's only goal, converting on one of her three total shots. Harpel contributed the assist, her third of the year, while also taking three shots. Williford added pressure to the opponent's defense, attempting two shots with one on goal. Aalbue was also credited with two shots, and Hypes put her lone effort on frame.
 
Milligan outshot Montreat 20-11 overall and 8-5 in shots on goal. Milligan hit the woodwork four times during the game. Each team was awarded three corner kicks in the battle. Montreat was called on for 15 fouls while the Buffaloes were whistled six times. The Buffs were caught in an offside position six times as well, while the Cavs were not flagged for being offside once in the game.
 
"I think coming out to battle was a separating factor tonight," said head coach Kristin Eggert. "Late-season wins are so crucial. This is a tight conference, and it is always a battle to see who is going to be able to host quarterfinal matches. I thought Anna made phenomenal, top-class saves tonight that really kept us in the match. When you have a goalkeeper who is able to make saves like that, you will always have a chance at a result."
 
In their next match, the Cavaliers will host the (RV) Tennessee Wesleyan University Bulldogs back at Pulliam Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 11. The conference clash is set to kick off at 1 p.m.