MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College women's basketball team played its final home game of the season Saturday afternoon, taking on the Bluefield University Rams in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) action. The Cavaliers bested the Rams by a final score of 72-63. The win moved the Cavs to 9-15 (7-11 AAC) on the year, while Bluefield fell to 3-23 (2-16 AAC). Before the game, Montreat also took a few moments to celebrate senior day and honor four members of the team.
The opening quarter of the contest saw little offense from either side. The Rams initially took a 5–0 lead to start the frame, but the Cavaliers were able to respond with some buckets in the paint from seniors Tresalyn Roberts and Ania Sands, keeping the hosts within striking distance.
As the period progressed, Montreat's offense gained momentum. Trinety Dajuste hit a 3-pointer at the 3:17 mark to give the Cavs their first lead of the game, 13-10. Dajuste further extended the lead with a fast break layup, assisted by Ella Kate Walraven, solidifying the Cavaliers' advantage. The quarter concluded with the home side leading 15–13.
Montreat began the second quarter with a strong defensive presence, quickly regaining control after Bluefield briefly took a one-point lead (18-17). Se'Nai Camper's 3-pointer just 2:02 into the frame sparked a 12-1 scoring run that included multiple baskets by Bayleigh Winkler. The Cavaliers suddenly held a commanding 29-19 lead with only 3:22 left to play until the halftime break.
With the quarter coming to a close, the Cavs extended their lead with efficient plays in the paint, including layups by Sarah Williams and Dajuste. The team outscored Bluefield 22-11 in the quarter, securing a 37-24 advantage at halftime.
Coming out of the intermission, Montreat capitalized on early offensive efficiency, with Rymiah Sanders converting a second-chance layup just 15 seconds in. The Cavaliers' defense added to their momentum, with Sanders grabbing a steal and taking it coast-to-coast for a score, extending the lead to 46-29.
Despite Bluefield's attempts to close the gap, Montreat maintained its stronghold. Sanders punctuated the quarter with a late triple, aided by Laila Harvey's assist. The Cavaliers eventually ended the quarter leading 55-46.
The Cavs held strong in the fourth quarter, maintaining an 11-point lead early on after a layup from Roberts. The team continued to cash in on Bluefield's turnovers, as Walraven secured a steal leading to a 3-pointer by Williams 2:05 into the frame.
As the period advanced, the Rams continued to try and swing momentum in their favor, but Montreat kept pace. The squad closed out the matchup with Williams and Sands converting key free throws to secure a 72–63 victory.
"Getting a win today was really good for propelling us forward," said head coach Jamie Moore. "It was huge to win that for the seniors in their last time playing at McAlister, sending them out with a really good memory."
On the night, the Cavs shot 41.8 percent from the field (28-67 FG) and 31.8 percent from deep (7-22 3-pt FG). Defensively, they held the Rams to shooting 36.9 percent overall (24-65 FG) and 36.8 percent from three (7-19 3-pt FG). Bluefield held a slight edge in rebounds (43-41), while Montreat owned the advantage in assists (14-12). Both teams were evenly matched in steals (8-8). The Cavaliers also set their season mark in blocks with six.
Dajuste led all scorers with a career-high 18 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded four rebounds. Sanders posted 11 points and added six boards and two steals. Winkler contributed 12 points, collected five rebounds and blocked two shots. Roberts paced the team with a season-best eight rebounds. Williams finished with 15 points and six field goals.
In its next game, Montreat will travel to Dayton, Tenn., to face Bryan College on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
