MONTREAT, N.C. – Women's basketball responded to a recent pair of tough losses by defeating Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Tennessee Wesleyan University 68-54 Wednesday night at McAlister Gymnasium. This game marks the first time the Lady Cavs have beaten the Bulldogs since Feb. 13, 2013, and Montreat currently sits at 8-10 (7-8 AAC) for the season.
"Tennessee Wesleyan is a very talented and hardworking team," said head coach Tim Lewis. "The challenge I set before our team was to focus on us improving in the areas we can. The team responded well, especially defensively and taking care of the ball, and I'm proud of the energy and effort the entire squad brought tonight."
After scoring the first seven straight points in the contest, the Lady Cavs went 8-for-14 in the opening frame and held the Bulldogs' side of the scoreboard to only four. Tennessee Wesleyan answered with an offensive explosion in the second quarter to take the lead in the last couple minutes of the first half, but a couple of late buckets from Darah DeWalt and Taylor Cullen allowed Montreat to make it out of the half tied at 29.
Arianna Williams gained the advantage back for the Lady Cavs in the first minute of the third frame and proceeded to score 11 of the her squad's 17 points in the period. A 13-0 run for Montreat in the latter half of the final quarter gave them their largest lead of the night (16) and allowed them to pull away with a double-digit victory.
Williams led the Lady Cavs across the board tonight, posting a double-double and a career-high 11 rebounds. She finished the night with 18 points and four assists. Katie Dillon also contributed four assists herself.
"As a senior and leader on this team, Ari played hard, attacked, made adjustments and was a critical contributor tonight," said Coach Lewis. "I know she has a solid skill set, and she utilized each of them in this game. We went with a shorter rotation, but everyone played a part in the win. The players on the sideline were very vocal, and I think that was key."
Caleigh Raby and Jala Daniels scored in double-figures as well with 16 and 10 points, respectively. Darah DeWalt was strong defensively with 10 boards beside her eight points.
"This was the first time our seniors have beaten Tennessee Wesleyan, so it was a special win. We will continue to focus on us and prepare for the next game," said Coach Lewis.
Up Next: The Lady Cavs head back out on the road to visit Point University in an AAC matchup at 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 19.
