COLUMBIA, S.C.— The Montreat College women's basketball team went on the road to face off against the Columbia College Koalas Friday afternoon. The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup ended in overtime with the Cavaliers coming up short by just three points, 79-76. Following the contest, the Cavs now sit at 7-13 (5-9 AAC) on the year, while the Koalas improved to a 9-11 (5-7 AAC) record.
Offensively, Montreat started off slowly but quickly came alive, responding to an early 6-0 deficit. Rymiah Sanders broke the ice with a layup in the paint and soon after added a make from the free-throw line. Bayleigh Winkler contributed as well with a jumper, making it a one-possession game with just over four minutes left to play in the quarter.
Sarah Williams continued the momentum for the away team, tying the game at 9-9 with a jump shot. In the closing minutes, Ayanna Varela and Ania Sands both converted big baskets to help the Cavaliers secure a 13-10 lead as the first quarter came to a close.
The Cavs wasted no time in seizing control early in the second frame, swiftly scoring eight unanswered points, highlighted by an Ella Kate Walraven and-one and a Williams 3-pointer. Those connections put Montreat ahead 21-12 at the 7:52 mark. The squad maintained its momentum as Winkler took over, scoring on three straight offensive possessions. The Cavaliers' defense was also pivotal, forcing turnovers and limiting CC's scoring opportunities.
Despite Columbia's attempts to narrow the gap, the Cavs consistent scoring runs and defensive rebounds helped sustain their advantage. The quarter ended with Montreat leading 38–31, maintaining a seven-point margin heading into halftime.
Coming out of the intermission, it was clear the Koalas were determined to cut into the deficit. The Cavaliers were able to maintain a slim lead with Winkler converting on a 3-point play early in the quarter. Defensive efforts were highlighted by Sanders and Williams, who each contributed key steals and rebounds. Despite turnovers, the visitors held firm against Columbia's attempts to close the gap, leading 48-44 at the four-and-a-half-minute mark of the third.
As the period progressed, Tresalyn Roberts and Williams each made pivotal layups, aided by assists from Sands, which helped Montreat sustain the edge. CC briefly narrowed the margin, but the Cavs' defensive stops and a final layup by Williams at the buzzer ensured they ended the quarter in front, 56–52.
The final frame of regulation opened with the Cavaliers trying to maintain their narrow lead, utilizing points from the charity stripe to put them ahead 62-60 with a little over six minutes left to play.
Columbia responded by tying the game multiple times, but Roberts and Varela provided key layups to push the score to 68-63. Still, a late surge from the hosts brought the score to 68-66 with just over a minute remaining.
In the closing moments, the Koalas equalized with two free throws. The Cavaliers had a chance to regain the lead in the final seconds, but two missed layups by Sanders left the score tied. Regulation ended with the teams locked at 68-68.
The extra quarter of play started off with a quick 4-0 spurt from the Koalas. The Cavs responded with Sanders converting a layup off an assist from Laila Harvey at 2:36, bringing Montreat within two points and keeping the contest tight. Despite turnovers, the Cavaliers' resilience showed as Varela and Williams each contributed critical buckets to tie the game at 74 with 58 seconds left.
Columbia regained control with a 3-pointer and two free throws to seize and extend its lead in the closing minute. Walraven's late layup slashed the deficit to three points but was insufficient in eliminating the gap. The Koalas walked away with the 79-76 AAC victory in overtime.
On the afternoon, the Cavs shot 39.2 percent from the field (29-74 FG) and 13.6 percent from deep (3-22 3-pt FG). Defensively, Montreat held Columbia to shooting 35.6 percent overall (26-73 FG) and 27.3 percent from three (6-22 3-pt FG). The Cavaliers held advantages in rebounds (52-47) and steals (12-11), but CC held the edge in points off turnovers (34-11) and assists (18-15).
Williams paced all players with 20 points and added three steals. Winkler was next up, contributing 19 points while collecting nine rebounds and a trio of steals. Sanders posted 13 points, converting 7-of-8 free throws, and recorded a season-high nine boards to along with three thefts. Varela added a season-best 11 points and matched her career high in rebounds with seven.
Looking ahead, Montreat will face the Milligan University Buffaloes on the road on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. in Milligan, Tenn.
