NAIA Coaches' Poll

Kansas City, MO – Heading into Mid-South Conference play with a 5-0 record, the Patriots women's basketball team earned 128 points to be ranked 24^th in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll, released by the national office Wednesday.  It marks the third consecutive year that Cumberlands has risen into the poll.

It's the third time in the last four season that the Patriots have won five straight to open the season.  UC is averaging 98.0 points per game, which is the third most in the NAIA, and are coming off of consecutive 100+ point performances for the first time since the 1999-200 season.  On the year, the Patriots are hitting 48.7% from the field and 40.6% from behind-the-arc.  UC leads the NAIA with 7.4 blocks per game, while they ranked second in the country with 24.4 assist per game.

Kassie Monday is leading the way for Cumberlands averaging 18.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.0 steals per game so far this season.  The sophomore has netted at least 15 points in every game this season and dished out at least five assists four times.  Kaylie Monday is coming off her first career double-double with a career-high 23 points and 10 steals.  Monday leads the NAIA with 27 steals, while Victory Fredrick is averaging 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.  Channing Lewis is chipping in 8.8 points and 6.8 assists per game on the year. 

Thomas More, the defending NAIA champion, earned all 20 first place votes to be ranked a top the poll.  Westmont, Campbellsville, Indiana Wesleyan and Clark round out the top five.  Georgetown is the fourth MSC team mentioned in the poll being ranked 18^th, while Bethel and Pikeville are receiving votes.

UC returns to the court Thursday, November 17, when they travel to Crestview Hills, KY to face top-ranked Thomas More. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. with live video available here.

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