MONTREAT, N.C.— After nearly two weeks since their last contest, the Montreat College women's basketball team got back on the court at home to take on the Truett McConnell University Bears Monday night. The Cavaliers picked up a huge Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) victory with a final score of 84-67. As a result of the game, the Cavs improved to 8-14 (6-10 AAC), while the Bears stumbled to 5-19 (4-12 AAC).
Momentum on the offensive side came quickly for Montreat. An opening jumper by Bayleigh Winkler just seconds into the game helped kick-start an 11-2 run from the Cavaliers. The span was also highlighted by a 3-pointer from Sarah Williams, which was assisted by Rymiah Sanders.
With about five minutes left in the first, the Cavs held a 13-7 lead. A brief rally from Truett McConnell brought the visitors within one (15-14). The home team was able to maintain a hold of the lead as the quarter came to a close, though. Sanders put in a layup to keep the Cavaliers out front, 19-16, heading into quarter number two.
Montreat put on a strong showing in the second period, starting the frame off with a 7-0 run while also holding TMU scoreless for the first four minutes of the quarter. Williams continued to contribute, converting on multiple layups early on. Coming up on the midpoint of the period, Alyssa Keener cashed all three of her attempts at the free-throw line to help extend the Cavaliers' double-digit lead (32-19).
The Cavs continued to control the tempo, with Williams hitting three more 3-pointers down the stretch. Montreat finished the second quarter on a 9-0 scoring spurt that was polished off by a triple from Trinety Dajuste. The Cavaliers held a commanding 47-27 lead heading into the half.
The action wasted no time in resuming after the intermission with both teams answering each other's baskets with makes of their own. Scoring from Montreat's Williams and a 3-pointer from Ella Kate Walraven helped sustain the hosts' 20-point lead (58-38) with just under six minutes to go.
The Bears started the show life in the latter half of the quarter, going on a 6-0 scoring run to try and chip away at the large deficit. However, a crucial last second 3-pointer from Williams was able to swing the momentum back toward the Cavaliers, who led 65-53 when the start of the final quarter arrived.
Montreat maintained control in the fourth, keeping its lead at double digits throughout. Sanders contributed significantly with key assists and a successful triple, helping to sustain offensive momentum. The home team capitalized on turnovers with steals by Sanders and Williams, converting them into critical points.
Despite TMU's attempts to close the gap, Montreat's efficient shooting, including a trio of successful 3-pointers, ensured the Cavs retained their advantage. The matchup concluded with Montreat securing an 84–67 victory.
"Having some time off gave us a moment to step back and focus on us," said head coach Jamie Moore. "Our practice time was spent focusing on our culture and our energy."
The Cavaliers shot a season-high 57.9 percent from the field (33-57 FG) and a season-best 52.4 percent from deep (11-21 3-pt FG). Defensively, the Cavs held the Bears to shooting 44.4 percent overall (24-54 FG) and 40.0 percent from three (6-15 3-pt FG). Montreat owned advantages in rebounds (29-25), assists (25-6) and steals (9-5). The 25 assists matched a season high for the Cavs.
Williams led the team with a career-high 31 points, converting 5-of-8 looks from beyond the arc and adding five assists. Sanders contributed 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting, while also matching her career-high in assists with seven. Camper scored 10 points, making all four of her baskets, and collected five rebounds. Sands facilitated the offense with six assists.
In their next game, the Cavaliers will take on Tennessee Wesleyan University on Thursday, Feb. 12, at McAlister Gymnasium in Montreat, N.C. The matchup is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.
