KINGSPORT, Tenn.— The Montreat College women's basketball team saw its 2025-26 season come to an end on Thursday afternoon as the ninth-seeded Cavaliers fell to the top-seeded Milligan University Buffaloes, 70-50, in the quarterfinal round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament. With the defeat at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, the Cavs wrapped up the year at 11-17 (8-12 AAC). Meanwhile, the Buffs, who are receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, improved to 21-7 (19-1 AAC) and advanced to the AAC Semifinals.
 
Montreat began the first quarter with a challenging start, facing a strong defensive effort from Milligan. The home team on the scoreboard opened the matchup with an 11-0 run, putting the Cavaliers in an early hole. Rymiah Sanders broke the ice for the designated visitors with a pair of free throws and two baskets. Ella Kate Walraven also contributed a 3-pointer, reducing the deficit to 12-9 with four minutes left in the opening frame.
 
Undeterred, MU capitalized on its opportunities, scoring efficiently in the paint and converting fast breaks. A triple just before the first-quarter buzzer capped off a 13-0 spurt that vaulted the Buffaloes out to a 25-9 edge after 10 minutes of action.
 
A pair of baskets down low combined with a triple allowed Milligan to expand its run to 20 consecutive points and its overall advantage to 32-9. Five straight points from Sanders, plus a layup from Ayanna Varela, helped the Cavs settle into the second quarter. Se'Nai Camper and Tresalyn Roberts contributed to the 14-2 stretch also as Montreat slashed its 23-point deficit down to 11 with 3:11 remaining in the half (34-23). However, MU finished out the frame on a high note, pouring in the final six points to take a 40-23 lead into the intermission.
 
Montreat kept battling, but the home side still managed to extend its advantage. By the midpoint of the third quarter, the Buffs' edge grew to 51-25. Sarah Williams registered a pair of baskets in the frame, while Laila Harvey added a 3-point play to bolster the Cavaliers' offense. Trinety Dajuste scored four points and added to her career-high rebound total during the period, but Milligan never faltered. The Buffaloes led by at least 20 points across the final seven minutes of the quarter, and they entered the final frame with a 61-38 lead.
 
Defensive intensity provided Montreat life in the fourth quarter, limiting MU without a point through the initial 5:25. Sanders and Williams scored three points apiece during the span, but the Cavs couldn't pull closer than 61-44. The visiting side outscored its counterpart 12-9 in the period; however, when the final buzzer sounded, Milligan still walked away with a 70-50 AAC Quarterfinal triumph.
 
"We knew today would be a tough game for us, and with a slow start, it's difficult to beat a team like that," said Head Coach Jamie Moore. "We had a lot of mental lapses and struggled to put the ball in the basket. I'm proud of how we fought to the end, though."
 
Overall, the Cavs went 20-for-71 from the field (28.2 percent), 3-for-20 from deep (15.0 percent) and 7-for-14 at the charity stripe (50.0 percent). Meanwhile, the Buffs shot 47.5 percent overall (28-59 FG), 33.3 percent from beyond the arc (5-15 3-pt FG) and 39.1 percent at the line (9-23 FT). Milligan totaled more rebounds (54-38), assists (18-6), points in the paint (40-30) and fast break points (12-4). Montreat committed 11 fewer turnovers (21-10) and tallied four more second chance points (18-14).
 
Sanders paced her squad with 20 points and added four rebounds. Roberts contributed defensively with seven boards, three steals and one block. Williams poured in seven points, while Dajuste notched a career-best six rebounds. Camper added six points and collected three boards.
 
"I'm so proud of this group overall and how they've grown this year. It was a season of ups and downs, but they battled through and learned a lot. With only three seniors, we are really excited to continue to build."
 
The Montreat College women's basketball team closed out its 2025-26 season with an 11-17 (8-12 AAC) record.