LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — The Montreat College women's soccer team opened its 2026 regular season slate on the road Saturday afternoon, squaring off against the No. 22-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies. Despite a career showing from
Anna Weissenfluh, the Cavaliers landed on the wrong side of a 4-0 final. With the defeat, the Cavs start the year at 0-1-0, while GGC begins the campaign at 1-0-0.
Weissenfluh stood strong defensively in the early going, holding the hosts scoreless thanks to a trio of saves across the initial six minutes. However, the Grizzlies' persistent pressure eventually paid off in the 16th minute with the match's first tally. Georgia Gwinnett doubled its lead two minutes later with another strike.
Montreat created a handful of opportunities during the first half, with
Jocelyn Stanley's try forcing a save in the 14th minute, and another Cavalier attempt striking the crossbar late in the frame. The Cavs were unable to sneak a shot across the goal line, while GGC found the back of the net twice more. As the opening period ended, the visitors entered the intermission with a 4-0 deficit.
The second half saw a superb effort from Montreat's defense, spearheaded by Weissenfluh's work in net. The senior from Jackson, Tenn. added six saves to her tally, including a remarkable diving stop on a penalty kick to keep the contest at 4-0.
Despite the defensive resilience, the Cavaliers couldn't break through the Grizzlies' backline.
Maggie Hypes launched an attempt on target in the second period, but Georgia Gwinnett's goalkeepers held the visitors scoreless. When the final whistle blew, the home side captured a 4-0 triumph.
"The second half is where we finally showed up to compete," said Head Coach
Kristin Eggert. "Anna's performance throughout the match was absolute class, including one of the best penalty kick saves I have seen in the NAIA."
Weissenfluh registered a career-best 15 saves against the nationally-ranked opposition. Meanwhile,
Rozsa Williford, Stanley and Hypes each recorded a shot on target.
The Grizzlies outshot the Cavs both overall (37-5) and on goal (19-3) across 90 minutes of play. GGC also notched more corner kicks (10-1), while the visitors delivered more saves (15-3). Both sides were called for 13 fouls.
Montreat now takes a break from its regular season schedule as it plays a pair of scrimmages over the ensuing two weeks. The Cavaliers will return to the pitch for regular season action on Saturday, Sept. 12 when they host No. 8 Truett McConnell University in their home and Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) openers. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Black Mountain, N.C.
