BLUEFIELD, Va.— Montreat College's women's basketball squad visited the Bluefield University Rams for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) battle Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers came into town and dominated the game, cruising to a 70-55 victory. With the triumph, Montreat improved to 5-5 overall and 3-2 in the conference. BU remained winless with the result as it fell to 0-11 (0-5 AAC) on the year.
 
Early in the first period of play, the Cavaliers jumped out to a hot start. Ania Sands facilitated the offense with two quick assists, including one on a Samiah Mitchell layup just 11 seconds into the quarter. Rymiah Sanders added to the momentum with two layups and three free throws, pushing the Cavs' lead to 9-2 by the 7:05 mark. Everybody helped out as Bayleigh Winkler hit a jumper and a layup, and Laila Harvey added a free throw. The quarter concluded with the Cavaliers ahead 23-9. Sanders ended the period with 15 of Montreat's 23 points.
 
The visitors sustained their momentum in the second frame, capitalizing with a series of successful free throws by Sarah Williams that pushed the edge out to 21 points by the 7:14 mark. The team's aggressive defense forced multiple turnovers from BU, with Williams and Se'Nai Camper each contributing a steal. Meanwhile, the Cavalier offense remained steady, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Williams at 3:04 and an effective layup by Sanders in the final minute, ensuring the Cavs closed the quarter with a strong advantage, 43-25.
 
After the intermission, Montreat started the third quarter with continued control of the game. Mitchell and Ayanna Varela contributed with key rebounds and assists to keep the guests on top. Despite a defensive stand from Bluefield, the away side's initial momentum was extended. The Rams responded with increased pressure, reducing the deficit through effective plays in the paint and a well-timed 3-pointer. The Cavaliers' defensive efforts, including a block by Varela and a steal by Ella Kate Walraven, held firm against the home team's advances. By the end of the quarter, Montreat had scored just eight points, and the hosts had doubled up the Cavs with 16 points scored. Even still, Bluefield trailed by 10 points, 51-41.
 
The fourth quarter commenced with the visitors resuming their efficient shooting, highlighted by Walraven's fast break layup and Winkler's assist. The Cavs maintained control, converting 7-of-11 field goals and adding two triple in the final period. Sanders and Harvey contributed significantly, with Sanders scoring a layup and a free throw, while Harvey sank a 3-pointer following a steal. Winkler's defensive rebounding, which notched a season-high of 10 defensive boards, and a key block early in the quarter, helped sustain momentum. As the quarter progressed, Trinety Dajuste's make from deep pushed the lead to 21 points. The Cavaliers closed out the game with a 70–55 victory, capping a strong final quarter.
 
Sanders led all players with 25 points, converting 9-of-12 field goals and going 7-for-8 on free throws. Winkler dominated the boards with 11 total rebounds, setting a new season-high. She contributed six points and two assists as well. Williams added 11 points, making all six of her free throws and blocking one shot. Harvey contributed defensively with two steals and added six points and six rebounds in her performance.
 
"We struggled with energy and shot selection tonight, but we were able to maintain our early lead through the leadership of Rymiah," said head coach Jamie Moore. "We also relied heavily on the physicality and rebounding ability of Bayleigh."
 
Collectively, the Cavs shot 40.4 percent from the floor (23-57 FG). The visitors made three triples (3-15 3-pt FG) and were effective at the line, shooting 75 percent (21-28 FT). Montreat secured more rebounds (45-34), assists (16-11), blocks (3-1) and steals (7-6) than Bluefield. Both teams turned over the ball 18 times, but the guests were able to score more points off those giveaways (17-11).
 
Looking ahead, Montreat will host the Bryan College Lions at McAlister Gymnasium in Montreat, N.C on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The AAC matchup is set for 5:30 p.m.