Bowling Green, KY – After going 2-0 on the week, including an 18-4 win over (RV) Siena Heights, the third-ranked Patriots women's lacrosse team swept the conference awards, announced by the conference office Monday.  Bella Ricchiazzi was named the MSC offensive player of the week, while Olivia McCarrell garnered MSC defensive player of the week honors.

Ricchiazzi earned MSC offensive player of the week honors after recording 11 goals, five assists, and six ground balls on the week.  She opened the week netting four goals and dishing out three assists in UC's 26-2 win over Brenau.  With her third goal in that game, the Framingham, MA native surpassed 100 career goals, becoming the fifth player in program history to reach that milestone.  Ricchiazzi also tied her career-high with five ground balls in the win.  The sophomore followed that up with a seven goal, two assist and a ground ball against Siena Heights.  Ricchiazzi netted four goals in the second half, tying her career-high of seven goals in a game, and helping the Patriots put the game out of reach.  Ricchiazzi now leads the NAIA with 5.0 goals per game this season.

McCarrell notched her first career MSC defensive player of the week award after recording eight saves across the Patriots two wins.  The freshman opened the week by recording two saves and scooping a ground in during the first half in UC's win over Brenau.  McCarrell followed that up with six saves and three ground balls against the Saints.  She made three saves in each half to limit Siena Heights to their lowest goal output since 2018.  On the season, McCarrell has a .581 save percentage with a 5-0 record.

The Patriots are now 5-0 on the season, including three wins against teams that are mentioned in the NAIA Top 10 poll.

Cumberlands will return to the field Wednesday, March 17, when they travel to face Indiana Tech.  The game is set to start at 7 p.m. with live video available here and live stats available here.

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