SWANNANOA, N.C.— The Montreat College volleyball team fell to the Brenau University Golden Tigers in its regular-season finale on Saturday at Asheville Christian Academy in Swannanoa, N.C. With set scores of 25-21, 23-25, 25-19 and 25-19, the Cavaliers wrapped up the year at 0-19 both overall and in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) action. Meanwhile, Brenau improved to 15-12 (12-7 AAC) thanks to its four-set triumph.
 
The match began with the Cavs seizing the initial point from a service error. Both teams exchanged points early, with Montreat capitalizing on opponent miscues to maintain a slim 4-3 edge. A service ace by Cizzie Griffin highlighted the hosts' efforts through the early going, but the Golden Tigers responded with a series of kills to shift the momentum.
 
Brenau managed to pull ahead midway through the frame, exploiting attack errors and extending its advantage. Montreat fought back with a late surge, as Elizabeth Harrington and Sophie Duckworth delivered crucial kills to narrow the deficit and fend off set points. Despite their efforts, BU closed out the frame with a kill, securing a 25-21 scoreline.
 
Montreat saw a significant momentum swing during the opening moments of the second set, taking advantage of a series of attack errors to establish a swift 5-1 lead. Maggie Stewart and Duckworth contributed offensively to maintain the edge even as the visitors fought to eliminate their deficit.
 
Continuing to apply pressure, Harrington and Ruthann Stout delivered important kills to keep the Cavaliers in the driver's seat. Even though a late surge aided Brenau in leveling the score at 19, Montreat never wavered. Harrington's consistent performance and Isabella Farmer's late service ace clinched the set for the Cavs at 25-23.
 
Duckworth secured the initial point of the third frame for the hosts off a feed from Griffin. However, the Golden Tigers managed to put the previous set behind them as they quickly flipped the switch. Capitalizing on three consecutive errors, a pair of kills and two service aces, the score shifted to 7-2 in BU's favor.
 
Montreat responded by narrowing the gap to 9-8, with key kills from Karly Horn and Stout and a service ace by Duckworth doing the heavy lifting. Despite the home side's strong resolve, Brenau's powerful attack kept the lead over the remainder of the set. Stewart, Harrington and Duckworth pulled the Cavaliers within a single point again at 16-15, but the visitors' offense proved to be too much to overcome. Four kills down the stretch catapulted the Golden Tigers to a 25-19 set win.
 
Griffin set up Harrington for the opening point of the fourth frame. Montreat kept the pressure up early with a block from Horn and Harrington to briefly hold a 3-2 lead. However, BU answered, utilizing several Cav attack errors to shift momentum.
 
Despite Montreat's valiant efforts, including a kill by Duckworth and an ace by Sarah Alderman, Brenau built a substantial 17-9 edge midway through the set. A series of errors and efficient kills continued the expansion of the away side's advantage, growing the lead to as many as 11 points.
 
Near the end, the Cavaliers mounted a spirited comeback attempt with consecutive aces from Alderman and back-to-back kills from Stewart. However, Brenau managed to secure the final point with a kill, concluding the match with a 25-19 set victory.
 
"The final score never tells the full story," said head coach Cristina Viera. "What matters most is the heart, fight and unity we showed to the very end. I'm so proud of how our team competed and the way we closed our season—with resilience, togetherness and belief in one another."
 
After the contest, the Cavs took a few moments to honor four student-athletes as part of their senior day festivities. Griffin, Stewart, Horn and Duckworth were recognized for their contributions to the Montreat College volleyball program over the past several seasons.
 
"I'm especially grateful for our seniors, whose leadership and example will leave a lasting impact on this program," Viera added. "Thank you to each of them for the time, care and commitment they've poured into this team. Their legacy will carry forward in the culture and spirit they helped build."
 
Overall, the Golden Tigers held the upper hand in most team statistical categories. Brenau tallied a better hitting percentage (.245 to .154) to go along with more kills (58-44), assists (55-42), digs (61-55), service aces (9-6) and blocks (6-4).
 
Individually, Griffin recorded a career-high 41 assists and added eight digs, contributing effectively to the team's setup. Stewart tallied a team-high 16 digs and notched 11 kills, both career-bests, for her first collegiate double-double. Harrington led the attack with 12 kills and a .280 hitting percentage. Duckworth offered support with eight kills on 21 swings and a career-high eight digs. Alderman also delivered a personal-best with three service aces.
 
The Montreat College volleyball team ended its 2025 campaign with a 0-19 (0-19 AAC) record. The Cavaliers now turn their attention toward preparing for the 2026 season.