WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.– Carolina University Women's Basketball opened its 2026-27 campaign Thursday evening at Williams Gymnasium, welcoming Montreat College for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff. Despite a strong third-quarter performance and a double-digit lead entering the final period, the Bruins fell to the Cavaliers, 82-75, in their season opener.
Entering her second season at the helm, Head Coach Hannah Latiolais begins the new campaign with an 18-player roster featuring six returners, including four who contributed significant minutes during the 2025-26 season. With a combination of returning experience and new talent, the Bruins look to build upon the foundation established during Latiolais' first year leading the program.
Montreat came out strong in the opening quarter, establishing an early advantage before Carolina began finding its offensive rhythm. The Cavaliers held a 23-18 lead after the first 10 minutes of action. Carolina continued battling in the second quarter, outscoring Montreat 17-16 to trim the deficit to four points, 39-35, heading into halftime.
The Bruins emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, putting together their strongest stretch of the evening in the third quarter. Carolina outscored Montreat 24-8 during the period, using an aggressive defensive effort and timely offensive execution to seize control of the contest. The Bruins held the Cavaliers to just 23.5 percent shooting in the quarter while forcing six turnovers. Carolina built its largest lead of the night at 16 points before entering the fourth quarter ahead 59-47.
However, Montreat responded with a fourth-quarter surge, outscoring Carolina 35-16 over the final 10 minutes. The Cavaliers gradually erased the Bruins' advantage before taking the lead with 2:29 remaining. Carolina continued battling down the stretch, cutting the deficit to one point with 32 seconds remaining, but Montreat converted late free throws to secure the 82-75 victory.
Carolina was led offensively by Jada Pleasant and MeiLani Patterson, who each finished with 20 points. Pleasant connected on four three-pointers while adding four steals, and Patterson recorded a double-double with 20 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. Alexis Gibbs added 14 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double.
The Bruins finished the contest shooting 38.5 percent from the field while collecting 42 rebounds, 16 assists, and 13 steals. Carolina also held a 40-40 advantage in points in the paint, matching Montreat's production inside. Despite the loss, the Bruins showed their potential with an impressive third-quarter performance against the Cavaliers.
Following the season opener, Latiolais emphasized the importance of learning from the team's first contest and continuing to develop chemistry throughout the early portion of the schedule.
Head Coach Hannah Latiolais:
"We saw a lot of positive things tonight, especially in the third quarter when we played with the energy, intensity, and togetherness that we expect from this group. With six returners and several new faces, we are still learning how to play together and how to finish games. We have to be more consistent for all four quarters, but I believe in the talent and character of this team. This is just the beginning of a long season, and our focus is on getting better every day and continuing to build the culture we want here at Carolina University."
Up Next
Carolina University (0-1) will return to action on Monday, November 2, when the Bruins travel to Cullowhee, North Carolina, to face NCAA Division I opponent Western Carolina University. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The matchup will serve as an exhibition contest for Carolina University, while Western Carolina will officially open its 2026-27 regular season.
