Montreat College split its first two games in the Appalachian Athletic Conference softball tournament, positioning itself into a series of must-win games in its pursuit of the AAC Championship.  The Cavaliers began play on Wednesday, April 28, the tournament's second day, after dealing with rain delays on Tuesday in Domtar Park in Kingsport, Tennessee.  

For their opening game, third-seeded Montreat found itself paired with a tough Union College team against whom the Cavaliers had compiled a 1-1 record during the regular season.  Montreat squandered opportunities and lost 5-2 to send itself immediately into the Loser's Bracket.  

Oddly, second-seed Milligan College was thumped by seventh-seeded UVA-Wise 4-0, so the two higher seeds both faced win-or-go-home dilemmas earlier than expected.  Fortunately, Head Coach Lee Swanson was able to call on All-AAC Pitcher and staff ace Rachel Stowe, and the junior produced a great game when it was required as the Cavaliers won 4-1.  

Stowe went the distance in quieting Milligan's powerful bats and sophomore shortstop Priscilla Silva's exciting inside-the-park 2-run home run in the 4th and freshman second baseman Kristine Valdez's solo homer in the 6th provided enough offense for the Cavaliers to stay alive in the tournament and send the Buffaloes home.

On Thursday, April 29, Montreat faces Tennessee Wesleyan in another elimination game and hope to win twice on the day to advance back into the Championship Bracket as the AAC title will be decided on Friday.