Williamsburg, KY- The University of the Cumberlands Patriots advance to the NAIA Final Site in Orange Beach, Alabama for the third consecutive season. Leading goal scorer Jayden Boelter knocked in the golden goal for the Patriots giving them a 1-0 victory over the #2 seeded Indiana Wesleyan.

In total, the two teams played 110 minutes of all-out soccer. From the moment the match started, until the very end, each team gave their all. During the first half the Patriots and Wildcats shared positions almost equally. Each team got off 5 shots in the first 45 minutes of play, but the Wildcats led with 2 shots on goal.

Going into the second half, the momentum shifted. The Patriots controlled the ball on their offensive of the field for the majority of the time. They out-shot the Wildcats 12-1 in the second half, with eight shots on goal. The Patriot defense was able to limit Indiana Wesleyan's offensive to seven shots during the match, three of which were on goal.

After 90 minutes, regulation time ran out, sending the two teams into overtime. The golden goal didn't come until the 98^th minute during the first OT. Jayden Boelter found herself 15 yards out from the goal. Boelter went unassisted against four Wildcats defenders to send the ball up into the back of the net. Boleter's ball tipped off the fingers of Indiana Wesleyan's goalie to secure the winning goal.

Cumberlands led the team in all offensive categories, outshooting the Wildcats 19-7 and 5-3 in corner kicks. The game was hard-fought from the moment it started to the moment it ended. Ultimately the Patriots were victorious, sending them to the NAIA Final Site.

Every member of UC's team played a crucial role in this second round win. Laura Navajas , the programs career leader in assists, facilitated a number of shot attempts, and garnered three of her own. Selena Barnett also got off three shots for the Patriots, one of which was on goal. Cumberlands defense also had an amazing performance, limiting the Wildcats to only seven shots. In true team fashion, the Pats secured the victory and will be continuing their postseason run in Alabama.

UC earned the third-seed at the NAIA final site and will face the sixth-seed Oklahoma Wesleyan in the quarterfinals.  The game is set for Thursday, December 1, at 8 p.m. EST. 

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