MONTREAT, N.C.— Montreat College's women's basketball squad faced off against the University of Pikeville Bears in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup held at McAlister Gymnasium Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers lost to UPIKE after a final score of 99-53. With the loss, Montreat moved to 3-5 overall and 1-2 in the conference. Pikeville improved to 4-1 overall and an undefeated 4-0 in the AAC.
 
The opening quarter saw Montreat initially keeping pace with Pikeville through key contributions in the paint. Tresalyn Roberts and Ayanna Varela scored early, both converting layups to close the opening Bears' lead to 8–6. However, UPIKE responded with a series of successful possessions, gradually extending the lead. Rymiah Sanders made a notable impact, adding a pair of field goals and keeping the Cavs within striking distance. Pikeville capitalized on a number of Montreat turnovers, expanding its lead to 24–15 by the end of the quarter.
 
The Bears started to pull away in the second period, beginning the frame with two consecutive 3-pointers and an 8-0 run overall. Montreat responded with a jumper from Sanders but struggled to maintain momentum as Pikeville's defense limited opportunities. The visitors forced nine turnovers in the first half, and they took advantage of the Cavs' mistakes by utilizing perimeter shooting to widen the gap. Montreat managed to score inside with contributions from Sanders and Winkler, but Pikeville's shot-making ability maintained its edge. The quarter ended with the Bears leading 50-27.
 
UPIKE was red hot from behind the arc, shooting 62.5 percent from downtown (5-8 3-pt FG) in the half. On the other hand, Montreat faced challenges shooting from the perimeter and didn't make a 3-pointer during the initial half (0-6 3-pt FG).
 
After halftime, Montreat began a strong offensive push as Roberts opened with a jumper at 9:28. The Cavs continued to trade baskets with Pikeville, highlighted by layups from Sanders and Varela. Despite several turnovers and missed opportunities, Montreat managed to keep pace. The Bears, however, eventually took advantage of a few defensive lapses to grow their lead behind consistent scoring throughout the frame. The visitors ended the frame with a 10-2 run, bringing the score to 73-44 after three quarters of play.
 
Pikeville stayed on the gas early in the fourth quarter with another noteworthy scoring run, this time an 11-2 display. Montreat responded with a fast break layup from Winkler, assisted by Samiah Mitchell. Sanders and Se'Nai Camper each scored in the paint during the frame, but the Cavaliers faced challenges in closing the gap. UPIKE maintained control with strong scoring efforts and quality rebounds. The contest ended with Pikeville ahead 99-53, as Montreat was outscored 26-9 in the last period.
 
Sanders led the team with 16 points, converting eight of her 17 shot attempts. Varela added nine points and secured four rebounds. Laila Harvey finished with six points, adding a block to her performance. Roberts contributed five points and recorded a squad-best five rebounds, while also registering a block and a steal.
 
"I'm really proud of our group for picking up the effort from Wednesday night," said head coach Jamie Moore. "But when you play really solid teams like Pikeville, you can't make mental errors. We made quite a few today. Our team has to learn how to step it up and how to fight through fatigue and focus when the pressure is on."
 
Collectively, Montreat shot 40.7 percent from the floor (24-59 FG). The Cavs attempted just one 3-pointer in the second half, moving their perimeter shooting numbers to 0-for-7 in total. From the stripe, the hosts went 5-of-8, good for 62.5 percent. UPIKE led the battle in multiple statistical categories. The visitors had more points off turnovers (34-2), rebounds (41-33), steals (10-2) and blocks (8-2) than the home team. Montreat had more points on the fast break than the Bears (14-12).
 
The next challenge for the Cavaliers comes on Tuesday, Nov. 25, as they head to Spartanburg, S.C., to face the University of South Carolina Upstate. The exhibition contest against the NCAA Division I school is scheduled for 4 p.m.