MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College women's basketball team squeezed past the Johnson University Royals, 93-92, in a tense Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup inside McAlister Gymnasium Wednesday evening. Behind a decisive 32-point fourth quarter and a season-high 93 points, the Cavaliers improved to a 7-12 (5-8 AAC) record, while Johnson dropped to 8-10 (7-5 AAC) on the year.
 
Montreat initiated the game with a strong start, highlighted by Rymiah Sanders' 3-pointer, assisted by Ella Kate Walraven, just 22 seconds into the contest. The Cavs capitalized on fast breaks, with Sarah Williams sinking a 3-pointer at 6:17 to extend the lead out to 10-4. Bayleigh Winkler added to the momentum with effective scoring in the paint.
 
As the quarter progressed, the hosts maintained a narrow advantage through strategic assists and effective execution in transitional plays. JU responded with consistent scoring to keep the game tightly contested. The quarter concluded with Montreat holding a slight lead, 21-20.
 
The second period began with the home side extending its lead to three points following Ania Sands' fast break layup at the 9:23 mark. Montreat continued to find success in the paint, with Walraven and Sanders both contributing key layups. However, Johnson responded with a series of triples and free throws, taking advantage of turnovers to move in front, 32-28.
 
As the frame progressed, the Cavaliers struggled to maintain their defensive momentum, aiding the Royals in cashing in on several scoring opportunities, including a 3-pointer that extended their lead to seven points with 3:29 to go in the half. The Cavs attempted to close the gap with a fast break jumper by Winkler and a triple from Sanders, but the visitors' persistent scoring maintained their advantage heading into the break, 45-39.
 
Montreat started the third quarter trailing but quickly found a rhythm offensively. Key contributions from Sanders, who scored multiple times in the paint, helped shift momentum. A fast break layup by Ayanna Varela with 3:13 remaining gave the hosts their largest lead of the quarter at 55-51. The squad also excelled in transition, outscoring Johnson 10–2 in fast break points. A late surge by the Royals, which included a layup in the closing seconds, allowed JU to reclaim the lead, 62-61, with merely 10 minutes left.
 
Williams' 3-point play just 1:21 into the fourth quarter leveled the clash at 64-64. The teams then exchanged leads as Sanders and Williams continued to find success in the paint. A 3-pointer from Williams midway through the period narrowed the Royals' lead to five points (77-72).
 
Montreat intensified its efforts, leading a comeback to tie the game at 81. Williams and Sanders took control of the matchup as they combined for several quick scores, creating a slight cushion. Late baskets from Varela and Walraven, as well as a free throw by Alyssa Keener, helped seal the win down the stretch. Johnson drilled a deep look at the buzzer, but the Cavaliers still walked away with a 93-92 victory.
 
"The ladies put in a lot of work this week, just a lot of extra hours in the gym, and I think we saw the fruits of that," said head coach Jamie Moore. "Our scoring was pretty spread out, and we shared the ball well. When you do that, you get better shots, and so your efficiency is going to go up."
 
Looking at the stats, Montreat shot a season-best 56.9 percent from the field (37-65 FG) and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc (5-15 3-pt FG). On the defensive end, the Cavs limited Johnson to 46.6 percent shooting (34-73 FG) and just 28.6 percent from 3-point range (8-28 3-pt FG). The hosts also controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 42-32, and doubled up Johnson in fast break scoring, 28-14.
 
Williams led the Cavaliers with a career-high 27 points, hitting 11 of 18 shots, including three 3-pointers, while also adding a career-best 12 rebounds. Sanders scored 26 points and added a season-high six assists, converting 10 of 17 attempts and sinking two triples. Sands contributed significantly with 11 assists and collected six boards. Winkler added 13 points and two steals, making six field goals.
 
In its next game, Montreat will face off against the Columbia College Koalas on Friday, Jan. 23. The matchup is set for 1 p.m. in Columbia, S.C.