MONTREAT, N.C.— Montreat College's women's basketball team hosted the Milligan University Buffaloes in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup at McAlister Gymnasium Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers lost the contest 84-73, but junior Rymiah Sanders surpassed 1,000 career points as a Cavalier during the clash. With the result, Montreat fell to 5-7 (3-4 AAC). Meanwhile, the Buffs improved to 8-4 and a perfect 7-0 in conference play.
 
The first quarter saw the Cavaliers establish an early rhythm, trading leads with the Buffaloes. Sarah Williams had nine points in the opening quarter, including a 3-pointer at 7:05, helping Montreat maintain momentum. The home side made the most of its fast break opportunities, netting five points in transition and benefiting from five assists on nine baskets. As the quarter progressed, Sanders contributed with a big 3-pointer and a jumper, playing a key role in keeping the Cavs ahead. Laila Harvey's layup with 54 seconds left extended the edge to four points. Montreat led 22-20 at the end of the first quarter, setting a competitive pace. In the frame, neither team was able to secure an advantage larger than four points.
 
Montreat began the second quarter by initially falling behind as Milligan took advantage of turnovers to gain a slight lead. The Cavs responded with Williams and Sanders scoring from a 3-pointer and a layup, respectively. Ania Sands maintained pressure with multiple successful drives in the paint, helping the hosts regain the edge. Throughout the period, Montreat's strong play in the paint resulted in 10 points, and the home side extended its lead to 35-30 with 3:54 remaining. Milligan eventually closed the gap, though, and the quarter concluded with a narrow deficit as the home team trailed 37-35.
 
After the break, the Cavs battled back in the third quarter, overcoming a four-point deficit early to tie the game multiple times. Sanders sparked momentum with consecutive free throws. A key defensive play by Sands followed, and a steal helped maintain pressure on the Buffs. Montreat's defensive efforts were complemented by Williams' crucial jumper at 7:19, which pushed the Cavs just one point behind MU (42-41). Bayleigh Winkler and Tresalyn Roberts took advantage of Buffalo turnovers, each converting layups that helped Montreat snatch the advantage back at the 4:14 mark (48-44). Despite Milligan's attempts to regain control with a late 3-pointer, Montreat closed the period tied at 53.
 
Ella Kate Walraven quickly leveled the game at 55 with two free throws early in the final frame. MU responded with eight free throws across a 19-4 scoring run that helped it go ahead by 15 points (74-59). Sanders provided a spark for the hosts with a series of layups, including one in transition, but Milligan maintained pressure and capitalized on the Cavaliers' turnovers. The Buffs closed out the quarter strong, leading by a double-digit margin. But, before Milligan could take all the glory, with the last bucket of the game, Sanders converted a layup to surpass 1,000 career points as a Cavalier. The matchup concluded with Milligan securing an 84-73 victory.
 
"Milligan is always a tough matchup, but I love how our team responded to the challenge," said head coach Jamie Moore. "Coming into the fourth quarter all tied up was a great spot for us to be in, but ultimately, the turnovers and fouls cost us. We are growing in our chemistry and our confidence. Now, we have to grow in execution and discipline. I'm super proud of Rymiah for hitting her 1,000^th point. It's no secret she makes everything go for us. Watching her accomplish that feat was so fun to be a part of."
 
Sanders led Montreat with 25 points, converting 9-of-17 field goals while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. She also grabbed five rebounds and added three assists.
 
"I just want to thank my teammates, my coaches, the school and everyone who has ever supported me," Sanders shared. "I really could not have done it without all of them."
 
Williams contributed 17 points, hitting 7-of-14 attempts from the field, including three 3-pointers. She collected one steal as well. Harvey added a season-high 13 points and secured four boards. Roberts posted six points and a team-high six rebounds, while also recording one steal and an assist.
 
As a team, Montreat hit 29 of its 61 total shots, good for a 47.5-percent clip. The Cavs shot 28.6 percent from downtown (4-14 3-pt FG). The hosts also shot a season high 91.7 percent from the stripe (11-12 FT). The Buffaloes' shooting numbers were very similar, but the difference showed in other categories. Milligan had more assists (13-12), blocks (3-1) and steals (8-5), and it also had fewer turnovers than the Cavaliers (20-11).
 
The next challenge for Montreat takes them to Lawrenceville, Ga., for a matchup against the Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.