Asheville, NC – Coming off a shorten season that ended with a 4-1 record, the UC men's lacrosse team is eager to get back on the field and compete. On Monday, Cumberlands was selected second in the AAC Preseason Coaches Poll with 17 points, announced by the conference office.

The Patriots finished last year ranked third in the NAIA and are seeking their third consecutive NAIA Invitational appearance this season.  UC's 4-1 record included an 11-10 overtime win over Siena Heights and their highest offensive output in program history averaging 16.4 goals per game, while limiting opponents to 7.20 goals per game.

"We are excited to get back on field and compete especially after the shorten season," said Head Coach Pete Campbell.  "It's feels good to be picked second, however, what really counts is when happens on the field when we start the season next month.

Cumberlands has returned 20 players from last year's squad, including eight starters, to go along with 12 newcomers.  Offensively, the Patriots have returned four of their top five point getters from last year's team, including Christian Vanover who led the team with 12 assists and 24 points.  Veterans Dylan Crouch, Thomas Fogerty, and Dalton Smith combined for 29 goals and nine assist on the year.

Defensively, UC will be led by NAIA First Team All-American Jake Morgan, who recorded 25 caused turnovers and 54 ground balls.  Taylor Simms will continue to be a presence on the backline, as Will Settle limited opponents to 6.83 goals against average and made 32 saves.  Newcomers Jayvon Jamison and Micah McClave are looking to have a big impact for Cumberlands this season.

The three-time defending NAIA invitational champions Reinhardt received all eight first-place votes to be atop the poll.  SCAD Savannah, who finished the year ranked seventh in the NAIA, is selected third with 25 points.  Tennessee Wesleyan (34) and St. Andrews (48) round out the top five, while AAC newcomer Webber was picked sixth (49).

Cumberlands is slated to open their season Friday, February 13, when they travel to Babson Park, FL to face Webber International in their inaugural game. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. with live stats available here and live video available here.

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