MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College women's basketball team used an aggressive defensive effort to secure a 76-62 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) victory over Columbia International University on Wednesday inside McAlister Gymnasium. The Cavaliers forced 28 turnovers and converted them into 21 points to pull away from the Rams and earn the league win. With the triumph, Montreat improved to 6-11 overall and 4-7 in AAC play, while CIU fell to 5-12 overall and 3-8 in conference action. 
 
Montreat opened the game by taking an early lead as Sarah Williams, who scored a career-high 24 points on the night, drained a jumper and a pair of free throws. Despite some turnovers, the Cavs maintained their momentum through strong defensive rebounds, keeping CIU at bay. Bayleigh Winkler contributed defensively with a key steal early in the period as well. 
 
As the quarter progressed, Columbia International responded by capturing the lead momentarily with scoring in the paint. However, Montreat reclaimed the advantage with a jump shot by Rymiah Sanders and crucial free throws by Ella Kate Walraven in the final seconds. The Cavaliers ended the first quarter ahead, 11-10. 
 
Montreat led a dominant second quarter, fueled by a combination of fast breaks and perimeter shooting. Sanders initiated a key momentum shift with a layup and a subsequent 3-pointer, which was assisted by Williams, putting the Cavs ahead 16-12. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Tresalyn Roberts and Se'Nai Camper each recording steals that led to quick scores. 
 
In the latter part of the quarter, the hosts' defensive pressure forced multiple turnovers and limited the Rams to only 10 points. Offensively, Williams contributed significantly with a jumper and two successful free throws. The frame closed with Winkler and Camper each hitting a 3-pointer, extending the Cavaliers' advantage to 35–20 at the half. 
 
Montreat opened the third quarter with a strong offensive display, establishing momentum early on. Ania Sands assisted a Winkler triple at the onset, kick-starting a scoring run that was bolstered by Williams. The freshman from Norton, Va. contributed significantly with multiple successful shots from beyond the arc, helping the home side widen its lead. The Cavs maintained pressure with defensive stops, creating turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. Sands and Sanders effectively penetrated the visitor's defense, adding crucial points in the paint. Montreat led by as many as 24 points midway through the quarter (50-26). 
 
As the period closed, the hosts continued to execute efficiently on both ends of the court, with Walraven adding a dagger 3-pointer. The squad ended the third quarter with a 59-36 lead, expertly managing the clock and maintaining the substantial advantage. 
 
Montreat started the fourth quarter maintaining a significant edge, but CIU initiated a strong response, closing the gap with a series of layups and a make from deep. Despite the Rams' efforts, the Cavaliers' defense, highlighted by a block from Roberts and a steal by Winkler, helped manage the momentum shift. 
 
The Cavs maintained composure, adding points through free throws and a triple by Williams, which extended their advantage. As the quarter progressed, Montreat capitalized on turnovers, with Alyssa Keener and Sanders contributing on both ends to preserve control. 
 
In the final minutes, those hosts solidified their win with effective free-throw shooting, closing out the matchup with a 76-62 victory. 
 
Montreat finished the contest shooting 40.0 percent from the field (24-60 FG), including 34.6 percent from beyond the arc (9-26 3-pt FG) and 86.4 percent from the free-throw line (19-22 FT). Columbia International also shot 24-of-60 from the floor but was limited to 26.3 percent from deep (5-19 3-pt FG) and 52.9 percent at the foul line (9-17 FT). The Cavaliers also held advantages on the glass and in moving the ball, outrebounding the Rams 43-34 while posting a 15-8 edge in assists. Montreat also narrowly led the steals category, 15-14. 
 
"We really relied on our press to force CIU to shoot some shots they maybe weren't comfortable with," said head coach Jamie Moore. "The first time we played them, we let them get into their offense a little more and get better shots and the looks they wanted. I think today, playing our press kind of sped them up and forced them into some rushed shots." 
 
Sanders scored 18 points and collected five rebounds, while also contributing two steals. Williams tallied a personal-best 24 points, including four 3-pointers, and added a career-high six assists to her performance. Walraven recorded her second double-double of the campaign with 10 points and 11 rebounds, as well as two steals. Winkler posted eight points, making two 3-pointers, and registered three thefts. 
 
In its next game, Montreat will travel to Waleska, Ga. on Saturday, Jan. 17 to take on Reinhardt University. The matchup is set to tip at 2 p.m.