Williamsburg, KY – Coming off another successful week in Patriots Athletics outside hitter Allyson Grava and defensive back Malik Thornton were selected as the Pepsi Athletes of the Week, announced by the athletic department Monday.
 
Allyson Grava earned athlete of the week honors after recording 52 kills, 31 digs, and five aces to help the Patriots go 3-0 on the week.  The Goodlettsville, TN native opened the week with 19 kills and 12 digs in UC's 3-1 conference win over Georgetown.  Grava followed that up with 13 kills and eight digs as the Patriots swept Kentucky Christian.  In that match, she had a .500 hitting percentage and added three aces.  The junior capped off the week with 20 kills, 11 digs, and a pair of aces in the 3-1 win over Union.  On the week, Grava tallied 4.73 kills per set and helped UC extend their win streak to seven straight matches.  On the season, Grava is eighth in the NAIA with 389 kills, while her 4.01 kills per set is 14^th in the NAIA and second in the MSC. 
 
Malik Thornton earned athlete of the week honors after tallying a career-high two interceptions in the Patriots 24-23 win over #11 Georgetown.  Thornton made two tackles in the game and was consistently pressuring the Tigers receivers. Late in the third quarter with Georgetown driving, Thornton intercepted a pass and returned it 24-yards to the Tigers 40-yard line.  That interception yielded a field goal for the Patriots to extend their lead to 17-10.  Three possessions later, with the Tigers in Patriots territory Thornton jumped the route for his first career multi-interception game.  This one he returned 75 yards to the house for the touchdown putting UC in front 24-10, which ultimately was the game-winning score.  It was Cumberlands' first interception return for a touchdown since September 2, 2021. 
 
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