Williamsburg, KY – Emily Heim and Bella Ricchiazzi combined for 16 points to lead the second-ranked UC women's lacrosse team to a 24-4 win over (RV) Marian Thursday afternoon at the UC Lacrosse Complex.  With the win, the Patriots clinch the MSC North Division title, while improving to 11-0 overall and 5-0 in the MSC.

Heim led the way for the Patriots with four goals, a season-high five assists, nine points and 10 draw controls.  Ricchiazzi added a team-high six goals, and three draw controls, while Florence Andrieu notched four goals and six points.  Stephanie Meyer tied her career-high with three goals and five points, while forcing three turnovers in the win. 

Olivia McCarrell earned her 11^th win on the season making seven saves with a pair of caused turnovers and ground balls in the win.  Hannah McWhorter added a save in relief. 

McCarrell, the reigning NAIA Defensive Player of the Week, made two saves in the first three minutes of action keeping the Knights off the board.  UC struck first as Ricchiazzi split the defense and fired a shot to give Cumberlands the 1-0 lead.  Less than a minute later, Andrieu connected with Meyer on a quick pass and goal to make it 2-0 five minutes in.  Andrieu netted three of UC's next four goals to extend the lead to 6-1 with 13:11 remaining.  Cumberlands added two more goals as Heim connected with Leigh for a goal before being a recipient of a Ricchiazzi pass to give the Patriots an 8-1 advantage.  The teams traded goals, before Heim connected with Andrieu for a transition goal with 8:19 remaining.  UC outscored Marian 3-1 over the final eight minutes of the half, including a goal from Regan Hensley to take a 13-3 lead at the break.

The Patriots continued their offensive pressure in the second half as Ricchiazzi forced a Knight turnover and on the ensuing possession Heim found Meyer for a goal, one minute in.  Heim added two caused turnovers, while McCarrell added a save to limit Marian's offense as UC converted on three straight free position goals extending the lead to 17-3 with 20:21 left.  Meyer secured her first hattrick of the season before dishing out assists to Tasie Fox and Ricchiazzi to make it 20-3 with 11:03 remaining.  After the two teams traded goals, Brooke Ollerenshaw netted two straight before Hensley added a goal for the 24-4 final.

It marks the Patriots second MSC regular season title and their third regular season crown in program history.

Cumberlands will return to the field Friday, April 16, when they host (RV) Marian at the UC Lacrosse Complex.  The game is set to start at 5 p.m. with live video available here and live stats available here.

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