MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College women's basketball team played host to the Bryan College Lions on Wednesday for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup inside McAlister Gymnasium. Despite a solid defensive effort with 10 steals, the Cavaliers were unable to overcome the visitors' 22 thefts and plus-14 rebounding margin, losing 72-47 as a result. With the defeat, the Cavs moved to 5-6 (3-3 AAC), while BC improved to 10-2 (8-0 AAC) following its victory.
 
Starting strong, Montreat opened the initial quarter of action with effective shooting and ball distribution. Rymiah Sanders and Sarah Williams highlighted the early momentum by combining for two successful 3-pointers. The hosts' defensive efforts were evident as well, securing two blocks and matching the Lions in rebounding with 10 each.
 
Throughout the period, the Cavaliers maintained the lead, capitalizing on fast breaks and points off turnovers. By the 5:38 mark, the home team had stretched its advantage to six points (10-4). Despite the Lions' efforts to close the gap, the Cavs' consistent scoring, including a late 3-pointer by Williams, ensured they finished the frame ahead 15-12.
 
Montreat began the second quarter with tempo as Ayanna Varela secured a layup at 8:15, assisted by Ania Sands, to push the lead out to 17-14. Varela continued to impact the game with another fast break layup at 7:23, extending the hosts' lead to five points. Despite early success, the Cavaliers faced a series of turnovers due to defensive pressure from BC.
 
The Lions capitalized on Montreat's miscues, overtaking the lead and seizing control with an 18-0 run over a five-minute span. Struggling to find offensive rhythm, the Cavs managed only two field goals across the final seven minutes. Bryan expanded its newfound edge to as large as 15 points, outscoring the home side 25-9 during the period. The visitors eventually ended the first half with a 37-24 lead.
 
The Cavaliers kicked off the third quarter with a strong layup from Sanders, which was assisted by Sands. Williams then added a 3-pointer, pulling the hosts within 37-29 just over a minute into the frame. Despite these efforts, the Lions' bounced back thanks to defensive steals and free-throw opportunities.
 
Later in the quarter, Montreat's offensive efforts were highlighted by Bayleigh Winkler's free throws and Sanders' work in the paint. However, BC's prolonged intensity on both ends of the court widened the gap. The Cavs closed the quarter trailing 57-38.
 
Montreat opened the fourth frame by pushing the pace. Williams' fast break layup at 8:13 following a defensive rebound by Tresalyn Roberts highlighted the offensive focus. Even still, the visitors continued to create turnovers and transform those free possessions into points.
 
In the latter stages of the quarter, the Cavs managed to convert chances with a layup from Roberts and a jumper by Samiah Mitchell. However, Bryan responded with several successful drives, extending its lead to as many as 26 points on two separate occasions. The contest ultimately concluded with the Lions on top, 72-47.
 
"Bryan is a high-quality opponent, and we proved we could hang with them in the first quarter, but ultimately, we struggled to take care of the ball and sustain the fight through the challenges of the game," said head coach Jamie Moore. "When you have 33 turnovers and the other team shoots 32 free throws to your 10, it's tough to win games."
 
The visiting team delivered a strong statistical showing, outpacing the hosts in rebounds (51-37), steals (22-10), points off turnovers (35-7), points in the paint (32-20) and free-throw attempts (32-10). Overall, the Lions shot 35.4 percent from the field (23-65 FG), 29.4 percent from deep (5-17 3-pt FG) and 65.6 percent at the charity stripe (21-32 FT). Meanwhile, the Cavaliers went 18-for-61 from the floor (29.5 percent), 4-for-26 from beyond the arc (15.4 percent) and 7-for-10 at the line (70.0 percent). The hosts committed nine more turnovers than their counterparts (33-24) but dished out six more assists (16-10).
 
Williams led the team with 16 points, cashing in on six of her 13 shot attempts, including three 3-pointers. Sanders contributed 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Roberts flashed her defensive prowess, notching a season-high seven boards to go along with two blocks and three steals. Sands facilitated the offense with a game-best six assists.
 
In its next contest, the Montreat College women's basketball team will again try to defend home court, this time against the Milligan University Buffaloes. Tipoff is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. inside McAlister Gymnasium.