Lakeland, FL - The 17^th-ranked UC women's soccer team defeated (RV) Tennessee Wesleyan 3-1 in the first round of the NAIA Tournament Friday night at the Southeastern Soccer Complex. Behind goals from Ainhoa Camara, Jillian Zurborg, and Alanna Skinner, the Patriots improve to 15-3-1 on the season and advance to the second round of the tournament.

From the first whistle, UC controlled possession and their offense came out with fire. Before the Bulldogs could connect with the ball, the Pats recorded a combined five shots on goal from Shara Randez, Jenna Rockwell, Camara, and Naira Lopez. In the 39' Randez put a shot on frame, which deflected off the keeper's hands, however, Camara was there for the rebound shot giving the Patriots a 1-0 lead. Just 27 seconds later, Selena Barnett sent a through ball to Zurborg, who launched a shot to the far post for a goal. Cumberlands backline of Amy Anderson, Selena Barnett, and Rockwell remained on top of their game limiting the Bulldogs to just four shots, sending the Pats into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.

UC started the second half much like they did the first; sending shot after shot at the Bulldogs' goal but unable to convert early on. In one of TWU's first possessions of the half, Patriots committed a foul in the penalty box leading to a penalty kick opportunity for the Bulldogs with 33:41 remaining. UC keeper Nicole Panis lined up for the shot but TWU midfielder Siobhan Patterson sent the ball to the left side, past the goalie, and into the back of the net to cut the Pats lead to 2-1. UC's offense refused to let up, and at the 19:02 mark, they earned a corner kick opportunity. Lopez set up to take the kick and sent the ball into the box where Skinner was able to get a head on it and send it into the net to seal the deal for the Patriots. UC took down Tennessee Wesleyan 3-1 and avenged their 2017 shutout loss.

With the victory, Cumberlands post their first NAIA tournament victory and advances to the second round of the National Tournament for the first time in program history.

The Patriots will take on Southeastern on Saturday, November 23 at Southeastern Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7pm. Live stats are available here and live feed will be available here. The NAIA Championship Page is accessible here.
 
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