DAYTON, Tenn. — The Montreat College women's basketball team dropped a 97–56 decision to Bryan College on Wednesday evening at Summers Gymnasium in Dayton Tenn. Despite the final margin, the Cavaliers were active defensively, forcing 21 turnovers and collecting 12 steals in the matchup. With the result of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) contest, Montreat moved to 9-16 (7-12 AAC), while Bryan improved to 21-5 (18-2 AAC).
Montreat set the tone early in the opening quarter, establishing a strong presence in the paint. Sarah Williams opened the scoring with a layup off a well-timed assist from Ania Sands to give the Cavaliers a quick 2-0 edge. Defensively, the Cavs were disruptive from the start, tallying three blocks and two steals to anchor their effort on that end of the floor. The Cavaliers gained momentum midway through the quarter with a fast break 3-pointer by Trinety Dajuste, followed by a series of successful plays, including a layup from Rymiah Sanders, extending the lead with under four minutes in the quarter (16-13). The team maintained a strong offensive presence, closing the frame with a jumper from Ayanna Varela, assisted again by Sands, to secure a 25-19 lead over the Lions at the end of the first period.
The Cavs carried a slim lead into the second quarter, but the offense went cold, producing just one field goal. Although Montreat recorded four steals, 11 turnovers proved costly. The Lions capitalized with a decisive run fueled by four 3-pointers and strong interior play, taking a 45-30 advantage into halftime.
The Cavaliers looked to chip away at the deficit in the third quarter behind an early jumper from Ella Kate Walraven. Sanders sparked a brief surge with a fast break layup and a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, but turnovers continued to hamper the Cavs' momentum. The hosts capitalized on the miscues, steadily extending their lead and carrying a 74-42 advantage into the final period.
Montreat opened the fourth quarter with renewed defensive intensity, highlighted by a steal from Varela in the opening seconds. Sanders provided an early spark with a layup and a 3-pointer to trim the deficit, but Bryan answered with efficient scoring at the free-throw line and from beyond the arc. Sanders continued to contribute with points in the paint and a
late jumper, yet the hosts' depth and steady production off the bench allowed them to maintain control. The Lions closed out the contest with a 97-56 victory.
On the night, the Cavaliers shot 36.1 percent from the floor (22-61 FG), 23.8 percent from the 3-point line (5-21 3-pt FG) and 53.8 percent from the charity stripe (7-13 FT). Defensively, Montreat held the home side to 45.9 percent from the field (34-74 FG), 41.7 percent from beyond the arc (10-24 3-pt FG) and 70.4 percent from the free-throw line (19-27 FT). Bryan held the edge in rebounds (47-38), points in the paint (42-30), turnovers (33-21), points off turnovers (36-15) and bench points (51-10).
Sanders led all players with 26 points, converting 10-of-24 shots, including four 3-pointers. Sands contributed significantly with seven assists and two blocks, while also recording four rebounds. Williams added 10 points and secured six boards, along with two blocks and two steals. Tresalyn Roberts also showcased defensive skills, tallying two steals and adding four rebounds.
Looking ahead, Montreat is back on the road on Saturday, Feb. 21, traveling to Kentucky for a 2 p.m. AAC matchup against the University of Pikeville.
