NAIA Top 10 Coaches Poll

Kansas City, MO – Coming off their first appearance in the NAIA national championship game, the UC women's lacrosse team earned 62 points to be ranked second in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the national office Wednesday.  It marks the second straight year that the Patriots open the season ranked second in the NAIA.

Cumberlands is coming off of a 16-2 season a year ago that including a perfect 6-0 mark in conference play.  UC captured the MSC North Division regular season title, making it the third straight regular season championship for the Patriots.  At the 2021 NAIA championships UC defeated seventh-ranked SCAD 18-7 and #6 Life 11-10 to become the first women's team in Cumberlands history to reach a NAIA championship game.

UC has returned nine starters from last year's squad and has a strong freshman class that's eager to make their mark and provide depth.  Highlighting the Patriots returners are Bella Ricchiazzi, Olivia McCarrell, and Trinity Brown.  Ricchiazzi, the reigning MSC Offensive Player of the Year, lead the county in goals and points with 81 and 119, respectfully.  McCarrell was dominant in the cage with a NAIA-best 172 saves and a 5.50 goals against average.  Brown recording 25 caused turnovers, 33 ground balls, and 63 draw controls to earn her second All-American accolade.  

The Patriots have now been ranked second in the NAIA in 10 straight polls.

Defending NAIA champion Keiser earned 66 points, including all six first place votes to be ranked atop the poll.  Life, Lawrence Tech, and Reinhardt round out the top five.

Cumberlands will opened their season Friday, February 4, when they host Brenau at the UC Lacrosse Complex.  The game is set for 3 p.m. with live stats available here.

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