[Women's Basketball] Women's basketball faces tough competition in home opener

MONTREAT, N.C. – Women's basketball fell 82-69 to NAIA DI University of the Cumberlands Saturday afternoon in the Lady Cavs' home opener. The squad stands at 1-1 as they prepare to enter conference play this coming week.

"We knew it was going to be a good game today, as University of the Cumberlands is a well-coached team. I am pleased with the effort the ladies put forth today," said head coach Tim Lewis.

Montreat jumped out to an early 6-2 lead as Caleigh Raby and Aliyah Thomas each drained a three in the beginning of the first frame. The Lady Cavs would hold the lead into the second quarter until the Patriots went on a 16-0 run to take a 39-33 lead. Montreat was held to 13 points in the second quarter, and the Patriots rode their lead all the way to the end for the win.

Caleigh Raby led the Lady Cavs with 17 points as Jala Daniels was also in doubles digits with 10. Arianna Williams contributed seven points to the bench's total of 16. Sienna Hicks posted the team-high seven rebounds. The Lady Cavs scored over a third of their points off of Patriot turnovers and posted 28 rebounds as a team.

"We saw some good things, particularly our offense rebounding as a team," said Coach Lewis. "Valuing the ball each possession must become a priority for our program, and will be critical as we move into conference play. We'll continue improving on our rotations on defense. Caleigh Raby gave us some good minutes tonight with her ability to put the ball in the basket, and Sienna Hicks battled on the glass as she pulled down a total of seven rebounds."

Up Next: The Lady Cavs open their conference season as they travel to Tennessee Wesleyan Wednesday, Nov. 7 for a 5:30 p.m. ET tip off.