BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College women's soccer team earned a 3-1 victory over the University of Pikeville on Wednesday in its 2026 home finale. Despite being outshot 19-17, the Cavaliers converted three scoring opportunities to secure the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) triumph. With the win, the Cavs improved to 6-8-0 overall (4-7-0 AAC), while UPIKE dropped to 9-6-2 (6-3-2 AAC).
Pikeville applied pressure almost immediately, earning two corner kicks before opening the scoring in the ninth minute. Anna Weissenfluh made an early save before the Cavaliers began creating chances through Rebeca Cruz Manon, Maddie Ellis and Leigh Harpel. Montreat equalized in the 19th minute when Cruz Manon found the back of the net off an assist from Ellis. The hosts continued to threaten with corner kicks from Harpel and Ellis, while Maggie Hypes sent a header high in the 26th minute. Weissenfluh made several more saves late in the half, and Harpel nearly put the hosts in front with a penalty kick and follow-up attempt, but the Bears' goalkeeper stopped both shots. The teams entered halftime tied 1-1.
Montreat seized its first lead just 1:52 into the second half when Ellis scored off an assist from Natalie Hall. Weissenfluh had already made a save in the opening minutes after the break, while the Cavs continued to generate opportunities through Jocelyn Stanley and Hall. Meanwhile, the Bears pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
The Cavaliers added some insurance with 12:20 remaining when Hope Ewing scored her first career goal on the end of a corner kick from Harpel. The home team continued to test the Pikeville goalkeeper with attempts from Cruz Manon, Ellis and Hall, but each was turned away. UPIKE mounted a late push that included a team save by the hosts, a shot off the post and another corner kick, but the hosts held firm down the stretch to secure the 3-1 result.
"One of the things that has been a theme this year is to be armed for battle," said Head Coach Kristin Eggert. "It has been a season of struggle, and we have talked about what hardship produces, and often that is where you are tested. I'm really proud of the way this team has battled to end."
The Cavs held a 9-6 advantage in saves and committed 14 fouls. Pikeville led in shots (19-17), shots on goal (10-9) and corner kicks (6-4).
Ellis recorded the game-winning tally and an assist while leading the Cavaliers with four shots, including two on target. Cruz Manon added a goal and put all three of her attempts on frame, while Ewing scored on her lone shot. Weissenfluh played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with eight saves.
The Montreat College women's soccer team closes out its season this Saturday, Oct. 31, with an AAC matchup against Johnson University in Knoxville, Tenn. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
