Kansas City, MO – After making five saves and helping the Patriots to 1-0-1 record on the week, Patriots goalkeeper Akililu Zambataro has been named the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week, announced by the national office Tuesday.  It marks the second straight season that Zambataro has earned this honor as the sophomore becomes the first Patriot in program history to earn this honor twice.

Zambataro and the Patriots opened the week playing #7 Lindsey Wilson to a 0-0 double overtime tie.  The Monza, Italy native made a pair of saves to keep the Blue Raiders, who came into the game averaging 3.0 goals per game, off the board.  Zambataro made a save in both the first and second half to help UC force the draw.

The sophomore followed that up with three saves in Cumberlands 2-0 win over Cumberland on Sunday.  Ten minutes into the first half Zambataro dove to his right to stop a Bakary Bagayoko header  to keep the game scoreless.  He added another save later in the first half sending the game into halftime tied at 0-0.  Zambataro final save came late in the second half as Cumberland was looking for the equalizer.  Daniel Picken fired a shot from 25 yards out, however, Zambataro scooped the save to preserve the win.

On the season, Zambataro has made 24 saves, while posting two shutouts.

The Patriots will return to the UC Soccer Complex against Martin Methodist on Tuesday March 2, in Williamsburg. Live video can be found here and live stats can be here.

For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics. Please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, Youtube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.